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REV. PHILIP S. EVANS, D.D. 



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CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Chapter I. 
Early Baptist History of Connecticut, 5 

Chapter II. 
Early Missionary Movements Leading to its Organization: 
The First Seven Years of its History, 1823-1829, - 12 

Chapter III. 
1830-1839, --------- 26 

Chapter IV. 
1840-1849, --------- 48 

Chapter V. 
1850-1859, --------- 66 

Chapter VI. 
1860-1869, --------- 82 

Chapter VII. 
1870-1879, --------- 100 

Chapter VIII. 
1880-1889, --------- 123 

Chapter IX. 
1890-1899, - - 151 

Chapter X. 
1900-1907,, --------- 183 



APPENDIX. 

A. 
Necrology, --------- 239 

B. 
Historical Record, ------- 269 

C. 

Table of the Churches Aided by the Convention, - - 271 

D. 

Proportion of Baptists to Population, - 276 

E. 
Summary by Decades, - - - - - - -277 




Chapter I. 

EARLY BAPTIST HISTORY OF 
CONNECTICUT.* 



S early as 1674 some Baptist preachers of 
Rhode Island had begun to preach and im- 
merse their converts within the borders of 
Connecticut. The towns of Groton and 
Waterford were the scene of such missionary 
work. Strenuous opposition was made to these move- 
ments by the ministers of the "Standing Order," and 
measures were taken to put a stop to such incursions. 

The basis of government of the state did not contain 
a single provision authorizing the legislature to enact any 
religious laws, or establish any form of religion or re- 
ligious test; and properly speaking the attempt to bind 
these upon the colony was in itself a usurpation. It was 
only by a sort of preemption right, or squatter sovereign- 
ty that the Congregationalists had established themselves 
as the so-called "Standing Order." 

Yet the legislature, by general acts wholly void of con- 
stitutional sanction had empowered the town authorities 
to prescribe rules and regulations for public worship, and 
for the raising of parish rates for the support of the 
same. In Connecticut the right of suffrage was not con- 
fined to church members, yet these were so largely in the 
majority that they had everything their own way. The 
law made the "Standing Order" the legal congregation, 



* Compiled from the Rev. Isaac Backus' "Baptist History of New England," and 
Dr. Thomas Armitage's "History of the Baptists." 



6 HISTORY OF THE 

and subjected all persons who neglected attendance on 
the Lord's Day to a fine of twenty shillings. It also in- 
flicted a heavy fine upon any person, not a lawful minis- 
ter, who should presume to officiate at or administer any 
sacrament of the church. 

But repression and persecution failed to prevent the 
spread of Baptist principles. In 1704 a few Baptists in 
Groton made humble petition to the General Court for 
liberty to hold meetings and establish a church in that 
town. No notice seems to have been taken of their re- 
quest; and so the petitioners, taking silence for assent, 
proceeded to carry out their purpose. They invited Rev. 
Valentine Wightman, a gifted young preacher from 
Rhode Island, to become their pastor. The little band 
numbered less than a score, but they were a resolute 
company. This the first Baptist church in the state was 
never so severely persecuted as were many others at a 
later date. Mr. Wightman's sterling worth and the en- 
lightened tact with which he led his little flock silenced the 
clamors of the "Standing Order." Rev. John Owen, the 
pastor of the Congregational church in Groton, was on 
terms of intimate friendship with Mr. Wightman, and 
they labored together in great brotherly love through a 
long period of revival. 

Mr. Wightman was pastor for forty-two years, and 
was succeeded in the pastorate, for forty years, by his 
son, Timothy, who also was followed in the same office by 
his son, John Gano. In later years the pastorate of this 
historic church was held by one of the same family, the 
Rev. Palmer G. Wightman. What we have known of 
the two latest and perhaps last ministerial representatives 
of this illustrious family, the brothers, J. C. and P. G. 
Wightman, enables us to understand what a worthy min- 
ister of Christ must have been the first Baptist apostle 
of Connecticut, the Rev. Valentine Wightman. Palmer 
G. Wightman caused to be erected in Upper Quaker 
Hill in the town of Waterford, the place of his birth, a 
monument of beautiful Scotch granite, with this simple 
inscription: 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 7 

WIGHTMAN 

Edward, burned at stake in 1612. 

John, 1598-1662. 

George, 1632-1722. 

Rev. Valentine, 1687-1747. 

Rev. Timothy, 1719-1796. 

Rev. John G., 1766-1841. 

Jesse, 1789-1869. 
Rev. Palmer G., 1820-1907. 
In the years following the planting of the church in 
Grot'on the Baptists made steady advance. They were 
more successful in establishing themselves in small vil- 
lages and country districts than in the cities and larger 
towns. Though they organized a church in the village 
of Waterford in 1710, every effort to build in the city 
of New London was thwarted by one sharp practice or 
another until 1804. Yet between the two dates, 1705 
and 1804 as many as thirty of the one hundred and fifty- 
one churches now on the list of the Convention were 
organized. This is the more remarkable because these 
were the very years of the greatest sacrifice and suffering 
in the cause of national freedom. 

The Baptists of that time did their full share in secur- 
ing religious liberty and those rights of conscience which 
the charter of the colony, by silence or by implication, 
had guaranteed them. By the hands of their ablest men 
they sent petition after petition to the powers that were. 
Not till 1818 were full rights of conscience secured to 
them and all others by the provisions of the new constitu- 
tion of the commonwealth. The special article providing 
for this was drawn up by Rev. Asahel Morse, pastor of 
the First Baptist church of SufiSeld. 

In the strenuous years of the war of the Revolution 
the Baptists were not found wanting in devotion to the 
cause of Independence. Indeed, the "service above meas- 
ure" which they rendered then and later to the cause of 
patriotism was a strong incentive to the legislature to 
remove all restrictions and inhibitions from their 
churches. 



8 HISTORY OF THE 

The Great Awakening, a strong religious movement 
which swept over New England in the years between 
1740 and 1743, profoundly affected the Baptist cause in 
that part of the country. Between the earliest settlement 
of New England and the middle of the eighteenth 
century there had been a great decline in the religious life 
of the people. Speaking of the religious life of the early 
times in New England, Dr. George Leon Walker says : 
"The type of religious life which characteristically 
marked that opening period of New England history was 
eminent for the strenuous severity of its doctrinal concep- 
tions; for its profound and humiliating views of human 
sinfulness and danger; for its searching introspectiveness 
into the criteria of personal religious experience ; for its 
absolute repudiation of all dependence on outward forms 
as a ground of saving hope; for its reverence for the 
least and obscurest phase of Scripture; and, in general, 
for its intensity and seriousness, passing over sometimes 
into austerity and superstition."* This early or Puritan 
period covered approximately the years from 1620 to 
1660. 

Following this Puritan period, including the years 
from 1660 to 173 5, there was a marked falling off in the 
religious life of New England. Various causes con- 
tributed to this result. One was a decline in the power 
of leadership exercised by the pulpit. The preachers of 
the earliest days were, almost without exception, men 
of university training. Some of them had gained dis- 
tinction in England before coming to America. But these 
men passed away; and, though they had tried to provide 
for an educated ministry for the churches by organizing 
schools, there was in general a decline in the power of 
the pulpit. Undoubtedly political causes contributed to 
the religious declension. These were the years during 
which England's unjust treatment of the colonies alien- 
ated them from her. The thoughts of the people were 
to a degree diverted from religious interests by the in- 
tensity of their feeling in regard to the various 

* Some aspects of the Religious Life of New England, p. 43. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 9 

forms which the injustice of the mother country 
assumed. A spirit of land speculation also was rife 
throughout this period. It was during this time that by 
far the greater number of the towns of New England 
were surveyed and organized. The pressure of the hard- 
ships attending life in a new land helped to depress the 
intelligence as well as the religious life of the people. It 
was impossible to maintain efficient schools for all; it 
was often impossible for children to attend school more 
than a few weeks in a year. Thus the level of intelligence 
was lowered, and the religious character of the people 
suffered in this decline. But chief of the causes that led 
to the unspirituality of the New England people during 
this period was the so-called "Half-Way Covenant. ,, 
This was a device, adopted quite generally by the Con- 
gregational churches of New England, by which many 
unconverted persons, children of believers, were received 
to a certain limited membership in the churches. Its 
effect was to quiet the conscience with something less than 
conversion, and to fill the churches with those who knew 
nothing by experience of regeneration. 

As a result of such causes the religious life of New 
England declined greatly; so much so as to justify the 
finding of the "Reforming Synod," summoned by the 
General Court of Massachusetts, which pointed out in 
minute specification as among the evils of the time, 
neglect of divine worship, disregard of sacramental ob- 
servances, pride, profanity, Sabbath-breaking, family law- 
lessness and irreligion, intemperance, licentiousness, covet- 
ousness, and untruthfulness. 

But in 1740, under the preaching of Geo. Whitefield, 
a wonderful revival of religion started in the southern 
part of New England. Beginning at Newport, R. I., in 
September, 1740, Whitefield preached successively in 
Bristol, R. I., Boston, Salem, Ipswich, Marblehead, 
Portsmouth and York. Turning westward he went 
through Sudbury, Worcester, Brookfield, Hadley and 
Northampton. Going southward from this point he went 
through Springfield, Windsor, Hartford, Wethersfield, 



10 HISTORY OF THE 

Middletown and Wallingford, to New Haven; thence 
on westward through Milford, Stratfield, Fairfield, Stam- 
ford and Rye, to New York. In all these places he ad- 
dressed vast crowds, who were wonderfully moved by 
his appeals. 

One noteworthy result of the Great Awakening was 
the desire to which it gave rise in the minds of many 
Christians to limit church membership to converted per- 
sons. These awakened members agitated with this object 
in view, but being usually only a minority in their churches 
they could not bring it to pass. In many instances there- 
fore they separated from their churches and organized 
congregations of their own. To these the name of 
Separatist" was given. Many such congregations came 
into existence in Connecticut — more than thirty in all — 
the best known of which were at New London, Norwich, 
Preston, Plainfield, Lyme, Middletown, Windsor and 
Suffield. They endured much persecution, being often 
subject to distraint of their property, and sometimes to 
imprisonment of their persons, for their failure to pay 
legal dues to the churches from which they had seceded. 
As a result of the unfair pressure of law upon them, as 
well as of internal dissensions into which they fell, most 
of these Separatist congregations ceased to exist within a 
score of years from the time when they were formed. 
They were either reabsorbed by the churches from which 
they had come out, or else became Baptists. Sometimes 
whole congregations of them, with their ministers, went 
over bodily to the Baptists, as was the case with the Third 
Middletown or Wethersfield church; and practically the 
same thing took place in Suffield, where Joseph Hastings, 
leader and minister of the Separatists, having been im- 
mersed in 1752 while still minister of the Separatists, 
brought about the organization of the First Baptist 
church in 1769 with the aid of his Separatist associates. 
It will thus be seen that the Great Awakening affected 
profoundly the situation of the Baptists of the state. 

In the spring of 1798 a great revival began in the 
church in Mansfield, and soon extended into all parts of 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 11 

the state and into regions beyond. In many instances 
Congregational and Baptist churches worked together in 
loving harmony. By this time the spirit of persecution 
had largely passed away. Baptists had won recognition 
as among the forces that work for righteousness. 

We find that in the year 1700 there were but nine Bap- 
tist churches in New England, and only fourteen in the 
whole country. In the year 1800 there were twelve 
thousand Baptist churches in the United States, with one 
hundred thousand members; and the greater part of this 
increase had been gained in the forty years just preceding. 
It is not possible to state accurately the number of Bap- 
tists in Connecticut in 1800. The estimate usually given 
is sixty churches, forty ministers, and four thousand mem- 
bers. 

The Stonington Association was formed in 1772, the 
Groton Conference in 1785. This latter body was com- 
posed partly of open communion churches. In a few 
years it was dissolved, and the regular Baptist churches 
in it united with the older association, the whole taking 
the name of Stonington Union Association. The Hart- 
ford Association was formed in 1789, the Danbury in 
1790, the New London in 1817, the Ashford in 1824, 
the New Haven in 1825, and the Fairfield in 1837. 



12 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter II. 

THE CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION.* 

Early Missionary Movements Leading to its Organ- 
ization: The First Seven Years of its 
History, 1823-182Q. 

As early as 1784 in the Stonington Association, and in 
1790 in the Danbury Association, we find the brethren ar- 
ranging with much pains for the supply of destitute 
churches. They soon saw, however, how inadequate 
these chance arrangements must be, and that they really 
needed one or more missionaries especially appointed to 
the work. In 1806 the Danbury Association made an 
appeal to the churches to contribute for the support of 
such a missionary; and for the space of twenty years 
this and other associations in a somewhat desultory and 
intermittent way, but still in a spirit of true and earnest 
service, carried on the work of aiding the weaker 
churches and of preaching the Gospel in destitute fields. 

The Connecticut Society Auxiliary to the Baptist Board 
of Foreign Missions. 

This society was organized in the meeting house of the 
First Baptist church of Hartford, August 31, 1814. Rev. 
Elisha Cushman had previously issued a circular letter to 
all the Baptist churches in the state, inviting them to 
a conference for the purpose of perfecting some plan of 
cooperation in mission work at home and abroad. It is 
not known how many churches responded to the call, but 
a goodly number were represented. Missions were in 

* Gathered from the historical sketch presented in June 1864, by Rev. J. A. 
Bailey, and from the paper presented by William H. Potter, in October, 1873, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 13 

the air. Rev. Luther Rice, a fellow-laborer of Adoniram 
Judson, had been visiting the churches in the state to 
interest them in the great work of foreign missions. By 
arrangement he was present at the birth of this society 
and gives an account of it in his report. He says : 

"Arriving at Hartford, Conn., late in July, 1814, it 
afforded me great pleasure to find the way prepared for 
the adoption of measures immediately to bring about the 
formation of a missionary society in that quarter. I re- 
turned to Hartford to be present and assist in the forma- 
tion of such a society on August 31. No instance of this 
nature has imparted to me greater satisfaction than the 
manner in which our brethren here have taken hold of 
the missionary business. At the very threshold a circum- 
stance occurred which I cannot without violence to my 
feelings abstain from gratefully announcing. The society 
received by letter assurance of one hundred dollars a year 
from an individual, for at least four years. It was re- 
quested that the name should not be mentioned in the 
proceedings, except as that of a friend of missions." 

In the formal constitution which was adopted at this 
time the great object of the society was defined to be "to 
aid the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions." The mem- 
bership was to consist of those who subscribed to the 
constitution and paid into the treasury one dollar a year 
or more. The management of its concerns was to be 
"vested in a Board of Trustees, consisting of a President, 
two Vice-Presidents, a Corresponding Secretary, a Re- 
cording Secretary, a Treasurer, and three Trustees, all 
to be chosen annually by ballot." Article XIII of the 
constitution reads: "Whereas it is the purpose of this 
society to become a component member of the General 
Missionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination of 
the United States for Foreign Missions, a regular trans- 
mission shall be made of the funds of this society, on or 
before the first of May annually, to the Treasurer of 
the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, and delegates 
shall be regularly and duly appointed by this society to 
attend the said Convention." 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

The Board of Trustees appointed the first year was as 
follows: Rev. Daniel Wildman, President; Revs. Rufus 
Babcock and Asahel Morse, Vice-Presidents; Rev. Elisha 
Cushman, Corresponding Secretary; Brother Gurdon 
Robins, Recording Secretary; Brother Ebenezer Moore, 
Treasurer; Revs. Jonathan Goodwin, Caleb Moore and 
John Phippen, Trustees. In the paper from which we 
quote there is a record of all the meetings of this society 
for the nine years of its existence. It was not in any sense 
a delegated or representative body, but a voluntary meet- 
ing of the contributors to the object for the furtherance 
of which it had been formed. It was not a chartered 
society, and had few elements of permanence. It does 
not seem to have much enlarged its constituency, but it did 
prepare the way for, and prove the need of, a better 
organized and more efficient body, that should be fully 
representative of the churches. 

Although the only object of this society, as mentioned 
in its constitution, was the promotion of the work of 
Foreign Missions, it soon undertook to aid in enlarging 
and strengthening the work at home. A meeting of the 
Board of Trustees was held in East Hartford, February 
5, 1817, at which James Davis reported eleven weeks of 
missionary service on the home field, for which sixty dol- 
lars was voted to him, with the request that he continue 
his labors. He remained in the employment of the so- 
ciety for three years, though there was no constitutional 
provision for his support. 

The seventh annual meeting, which was held in Hart- 
ford, November 7, 1821, was made memorable for Con- 
necticut Baptists by the efforts that were made to start 
the Christian Secretary. It was resolved: "That it 
is expedient for this society, provided sufficient encourage- 
ment be given, to issue a weekly religious newspaper." 
This initial movement was followed by the publication 
of the Christian Secretary, which for so many years, 
with varying fortunes to its proprietors, rendered such in- 
valuable service. It is difficult to imagine how the work 
of the Convention, either in its earlier or later years, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 15 

could have been accomplished without the aid of this 
paper in keeping the needs of the field constantly before 
the churches. 

The final meeting of the society was held in the town 
of Mansfield, November 5, 1823, where it was dissolved 
by the action of its members. The following is the last 
entry in its minutes :• "Whereas, in our opinion, the busi- 
ness of missions may be better conducted by a convention 
of churches than by a society of individuals ; and, where- 
as, such a Convention is now in operation in this state, 
therefore resolved that this society be from this time dis- 
solved." It had accomplished much good in the nine 
years of its life. Organized especially for the advance- 
ment of the cause of Foreign Missions, it had been faith- 
ful to this interest. How much money had been con- 
tributed it is not possible to state, but there is a record of 
at least fifteen hundred dollars. It had done much to 
stimulate a missionary spirit in the churches. There is 
frequent reference in its minutes to reports sent by wom- 
en's "Mite Societies," and generous praise is bestowed 
upon them. In addition it had taken up and prosecuted 
vigorously what we have come to call "State Missions" — 
the helping of feeble churches, the establishment of new 
churches, and the evangelization of destitute regions. 
The transition from its organization to that of the Con- 
vention proper was natural and easy. 

The Connecticut Baptist Convention, i823-i82g* 

At the annual meeting of the Hartford Association, 
October 2, 1822, Rev. Augustus Bolles, pastor of the 
Wintonbury church (afterwards known as First Wind- 
sor, and still later as the Bloomfield church), moved that 
a committee be appointed "to consider the expediency of 
forming a Convention of the Baptist churches of the 
state." The committee was appointed and brought in a 
favorable report. Thereupon Rev. E. Cushman, pastor 



* This story is essentially that gathered from the files of The "Christian Secretary" by 
William H. Potter in 1873. 



16 HISTORY OF THE 

of the First church, Hartford, and Rev. Jonathan Good- 
win, pastor of the Mansfield church, were appointed a 
committee to communicate with the churches and request 
each church to send a delegate to meet at the First Suffield 
church on the first Wednesday in November, 1822, for 
the purpose of devising a plan and constitution for such 
a Convention. 

Accordingly Elders Goodwin and Cushman issued a 
notice and invitation. At the time and place appointed a 
meeting of sundry delegates took place, and the plan of 
constitution was drawn up, which was ordered to be 
printed and submitted to the several churches. An ad- 
dress upon the subject was also drawn up, and the body 
adjourned to meet in Hartford on the last Wednesday 
of October, 1823. 

1823. On the 29th day of October, 1823, according to 
appointment, a delegation from thirty churches 
met at the Baptist meeting-house in Hartford, and pro- 
ceeded to arrange and adopt articles of a constitution by 
which to organize a Convention and regulate its future 
proceedings. "This was executed with much harmony, 
after which the Convention proceeded to business con- 
nected with its immediate objects, of which the following 
are the records : 

"At 10 a. m. a sermon was preached by Rev. Asa Wil- 
cox from 1 Cor. 1 :26. After which proceeded to or- 
ganize the Convention. Chose Bro. Asa Wilcox, pastor 
of Second Saybrook church, as Moderator, and Bro. 
Isaac Merriam, pastor of Bristol church, as Clerk. The 
delegates from the churches presented their credentials, 
from which it appeared that the following churches were 
represented by their delegates: 

Churches. Delegates. 

Hartford, Elder Elisha Cushman 

Berlin, " Enoch Green, Bro. John 

Osgood 
Bristol, " Isaac Merriam 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 



17 



Churches. 


Delegates. 


Canton, 


Eldei 


r Stephen S. Nelson 


Enfield, 


a 


Jeremiah F. Bridge, Dea- 
con S. Terry 


First Suffield, 


a 


Asahel Morse 


Wethersfield, 


a 


Wm. Bentley, Brother 
Robert Francis 


Wintonbury, 


a 


Augustus Bolles,, Brother 
C. L. Collins 


New Haven, 


" 


Benjamin M. Hill 


New London, 


<< 


Ebenezer Loomis 


First North Stonington, 


a 


Jonathan Miner 


Preston, 


" 


Levi Meech 


Waterford, 


(C 


Francis Darrow 


Stratford,, 


a 


Daniel Wildman, Bro. 
John Turner 


Second Danbury, 


Dea. 


T. Wildman, Bro. Silas 
Ambler 


Newton, 


Bro. 


David Bennett 


First Northford, 


Elder 


Ezekiel Skinner 


Hampton, 


Dea. 


Gurdon Robinson 


Lebanon, 


Elder 


Ezek Brown 


Mansfield, 


<< 


Jonathan Miner 


Litchfield, 


Dea. 


Levi Morse, Jr. 


Colebrook, 


Elder Rufus Babcock 


Second Colebrook, 


u 


Erastus Doty 


First Middletown, 


a 


James Boswell 


Second Middletown, 


ic 


Fred Wightman 


Haddam, 


n 


Simon Shailer 


Second Saybrook, 


tt 


Asa Wilcox 


First Woodstock, 


a 


John Wilcox Nichols 


Second Woodstock, 


Dea. 


W. H. Manning 



"In all thirty churches and thirty-eight delegates. 

"Visiting brethren invited to a seat. 

"Appointed Brother Elisha Cushman to receive what 
moneys any person may now wish to present to our funds. 

"Read the constitution reported and recommended by 
the former meeting at Suffield, and referred it, together 



18 HISTORY OF THE 

with proposed amendments, to a committee composed of 
Elders J. Goodwin, S. S. Nelson and A. Bolles, to report 
this afternoon. 

"Adjourned at 2 p. m. 

"October 30. 

"Met at 9 a. m. Prayer was offered by Brother 
Brockett. Heard report of committee to prepare and 
arrange business for the Convention. Resumed the dis- 
cussion of the constitution, by articles, and continued it 
until they were severally adopted, when the whole was 
committed to Brother Bolles to be engrossed for a final 
reading. Brother Nichols prayed, and the Convention 
adjourned till afternoon. 

"Met at 1.30 p. m. Brother Enoch Green prayed. 
The constitution being engrossed and presented came 
again under consideration, when under motion of Brother 
Bolles, the fifth article was expunged and, thus amended, 
the constitution was adopted. The Convention proceeded 
to the business connected with its objects, and the follow- 
ing resolves were passed: 

"Resolved, That the churches of this state and vicinity, 
not supplied with the constant ministration of the Gospel, 
be requested to make an annual statement of their condi- 
tion to this Convention, including the portion of the time 
during which they are supplied with the preaching of the 
Gospel, and a fair representation of their means of sup- 
porting preaching. 

"Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the 
churches to assemble on the first day of each month to 
pray for the divine blessing on missionary exertions; 
and that at each of these meetings contributions be made 
to aid the missionary cause. 

"Resolved, That brethren who labor in the ministry, 
under the patronage of the Convention, be authorized 
and requested to solicit and receive subscriptions, do- 
nations and legacies to aid the general fund, and to trans- 
mit the same to the treasurer of the Convention. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 19 

"Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the 
churches to set apart the Fourth of July annually for pub- 
lic thanksgiving for national prosperity and independ- 
ence; and also that public contributions be made on that 
day for the civilization and religious instruction of the 
aborigines of our country. 

"Whereas, This convention learns that the Connecti- 
cut Baptist Missionary Society has it in contemplation to 
relinquish their concerns to the Convention, therefore, 

"Resolved, That this Convention readily assumes any 
concerns which have heretofore occupied that society, 
should it be their pleasure so to relinquish them; and the 
Board of Managers to be hereafter appointed are here- 
by authorized to assume any such concerns which have 
heretofore occupied that society, whenever it shall pass 
resolutions to that effect. 

"Resolved, That the annual meetings of this Con- 
vention be opened by reading a portion of Scripture and 
by prayer. 

"Proceeded to choose a Board of Managers, and the 
following persons were duly elected, viz.: Rev. Asa Wil- 
cox, President; Rev. Jonathan Goodwin, Vice-President; 
Rev. Augustus Bolles, Secretary; Deacon Joseph B. Gil- 
bert, Treasurer; Revs. Elisha Cushman, Roswell Bur- 
rows and Oliver Wilson, and Brethren Robert Francis 
and John Turney, Trustees. 

"Resolved, That the Board of Managers be a commit- 
tee to prepare a memorial and petition, and present the 
same to the legislature of the state, representing the 
object and plan of the Convention, and praying for an 
act of incorporation to enable us to hold and appropriate 
the funds committed to our management. 

"Resolved, That all moneys not specifically designated 
should be at the disposal of the Board. 

"Agreed to hold next annual meeting at the Baptist 
meeting-house in the city of Middletown, on the second 
Wednesday of June. 1824, at 9 a. m. 

"Resolved, That the Secretary of the Convention pre- 
pare and publish the doings of this Convention in the 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

Christian Secretary, and send one copy to each Baptist 
church in this state and vicinity. 
"(Signed.) 

Asa Wilcox, Moderator. 

A. Bolles, Secretary." 
Isaac Merriam, Clerk. 

The first business meeting of the Board of Managers 
was held in Mansfield, November 5, 1823. There were 
present Rev. J. Goodwin, Vice-President; Revs. A. Bolles, 
E. Cushman and O. Wilson, and Brethren J. B. Gil- 
bert and J. Turney. The Treasurer was requested to 
give a bond for $1,000 for the security of the fund. Rev. 
William Bentley was appointed State Missionary, and 
Rev. Brethren J. Goodwin and O. Wilson were requested 
to enter the service of the Convention, the churches at 
Mansfield and North Haven being asked to release them 
for that object. An appropriation of fifty dollars was 
made to the New Haven church, and sent by the hand of 
Deacon William Quiner. The Christian Secretary was 
adopted, and taken under the patronage of the Board for 
one year. Brethren Gurdon Robins, Jeremiah Brown 
and Jesse Savage were appointed a committee of man- 
agement on the Christian Secretary, with discretionary 
power to employ an editor and an agent to extend the 
circulation. A few copies of the paper containing the 
doings of the first session were distributed gratuitously. 
The Board then adjourned to meet in Hartford in Febru- 
ary, 1824. 

Feb. 4, 1824. The Board of Managers met in Hart- 
ford according to appointment. There were present 
Rev. Asa Wilcox, President ; Rev. Augustus Bolles, Secre- 
tary; Brother Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer, and also 
Rev. Elisha Cushman and Brother Robert Francis. The 
record speaks of remittances from female Mite Societies, 
and of urgent calls from feeble churches for aid. The 
reports of work done by the State Missionaries, Bentley, 
Goodwin and W T ilson, were characterized as deeply in- 
teresting and satisfactory to the Board. Six dollars a 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 21 

week and traveling expenses were voted to the mission- 
aries as compensation. The Rev. Asa Wilcox was also 
urged to act as missionary, and a letter was written to his 
people requesting their consent. The question of in- 
corporation was put into the hands of Revs. Asa Wilcox, 
A. Bolles and O. Wilson. 

March 2, 1824. A special meeting of the Board of 
Managers was held in Hartford to consider the crisis in 
the existence of the Christian Secretary. The committee 
into whose charge the paper had been put had resigned. 
The question was raised, "Shall the Board now discon- 
tinue the Christian Secretary?" but the Board answered 
unanimously in the negative, and appointed Gurdon 
Robins as general agent and editor till the annual meet- 
ing in June, with a salary of $200 from December 12. 
Philemon Canfield was appointed printer, and allowed 
$900 from February to June. 



1 824. The first anniversary of the Convention was held 
in Middletown, June 9, 1824. At this session 
fourteen churches were admitted, as follows: 



Churches. 


Delegates. 


Pomfret, 


Rev. James Grow 


East Windsor, 


Deacon S. Terry 


Second Suffield, 


Rev. Tubal Wakefield 


Woodbridge and Salem, 


Deacon Nathan Piatt 


Second Middletown, 


Gershom Birdsey, Ephraim Higby 


Second Colchester, 


Alvan Ackley, John Bigelow 


Wallingford, 


Rev. Sedgwick Rice, Deacon L. Miller 


First Lyme, 


Rev. Nathan Wildman, Abraham 




Beckwith 


Second Windsor, 


Elias Clark, Lemuel Welch 


Second Lyme, 


Baruch Beckwith 


Tolland, 


Deacon Aaron Chapman 


Salem, 


Deacon Eliphalet Hillard, A. Rogers 


Second Groton, 


Rev. Roswell Burrows 


New Hartford and Har- 




winton, 


David Frost 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

Of the thirty churches that reported last year twenty- 
six reported also this year, making a total of forty 
churches present by their delegates in this Convention. 

The Board of Managers chosen for this year consisted 
of Rev. Asa Wilcox, President; Rev. Jonathan Goodwin, 
Vice-President; Brother Albert Day, Secretary; Deacon 
Joseph P. Gilbert, Treasurer; Rev. Elisha Cushman, 
Rev. Roswell Burrows, Rev. John Turney, Rev. Fred- 
erick Wightman, Rev. Simon Shailer, and Brother Seldon 
Miner, Trustees. 

The Convention passed resolutions pledging their sup- 
port to the Christian Secretary, also commending the 
bookstore of Hezekiah Huntington of Hartford, because 
he had "agreed to keep the denominational works." They 
also recommended uniformity in hymn books, and urged 
the adoption of "WinchelPs Watts." They recorded 
their belief in and reliance on the Holy Spirit for the 
effectual promotion of the cause of Christ, and recom- 
mended that on the first Monday of each month special 
prayer should be offered in all churches for revivals and 
missionary success. 

At the meeting of the Board of Managers immediately 
following the session of the Convention, full power was 
given to Brethren Cushman, Wightman and Gilbert to 
contract for the printing of the Christian Secretary, at a 
price not to exceed $725, and to employ an editor. The 
compensation of the State Missionaries was reduced to 
five dollars a week and expenses, and the whole matter of 
their employment and pay was given in charge to the 
committee above named. Elder Wilson was requested to 
itinerate in Westfield and other places, and Enoch Green 
was to visit Buckley Hill (Colchester), Salem and Ches- 
tersfield. Elder Wm. Bentley was requested to continue 
his itinerant labors particularly in Westfield, Wind- 
sor, Andover and Chesterfield, while Brother Green was 
to visit Southington, New Hartford, Burlington and 
Granby. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 23 

1825. The second anniversary of the Convention was 
held in Hartford in June. Three new churches, 

represented by their delegates, were received, namely: 
Chesterfield, represented by Rev. Oliver Wilson; Lisbon, 
by Brother Amos Read, and East Haddam by Brethren 
Oliver Atwood and William Carter. By this time forty- 
seven churches were connected with the Convention, thir- 
ty-three of which were represented by their delegates at 
this session. 

A good deal of time was consumed in determining 
the status of the Christian Secretary in relation to the 
Convention. The subject of providing religious tracts 
for circulation demanded a good deal of attention. The 
constitution was amended, and the representation was 
enlarged to allow delegates from "any other association 
of individuals conforming to the constitution and con- 
tributing five dollars a year to its funds." By-laws were 
now for the first time introduced, and Sunday-schools 
were heartily commended. 

1826. The annual meeting was held with the church 
in Wallingford, and two new churches, Andover 

and First Saybrook, were admitted, making forty-nine 
churches affiliated with the Convention. Only twenty-six 
of these were represented by their delegates at this ses- 
sion. Rev. John M. Peck, a name dear to all Baptists 
in the early history of our denomination, was present 
and gave a new impulse to the cause of missions. Rev. 
Russell Jennings, Tubal Wakefield, A. W. Whitney, 
Isaac Dwinnell, Simon Shailer and William Whitney 
gave interesting accounts of local missionary work. All 
these, with other brethren, were more or less in the em- 
ploy of the Convention and under the direction of the 
Board. 

1827. At the June session of the Convention in 1827 
five new churches were admitted by their dele- 
gates, viz. : Manchester and Vernon, Colton Wilcox and 
Irenus Brown; Southington, I. Atkins and A. Merriam; 



24 HISTORY OF THE 

Amenia, N. Y., Calvin Phileo; Cornwall and Sharon, 
Silas Ambler. It was a period of tracts and tract so- 
cieties, and every session was full of good words and 
resolutions in their favor. There was also manifest a 
deepening interest in Home and Foreign Missions. 

At the Board meeting following the Convention four 
hundred dollars were appropriated to Rev. G. Robins 
as editor of the Christian Secretary. Rev. Seth Ewer was 
appointed as agent of the Board at a salary of $400. 
Four missionaries were reported as having served the 
Board this year at a salary of five dollars a week and 
expenses. Where the money came from for this outlay 
is not apparent, as the Treasurer reported total receipts 
of only $495. 

The brethren of the Board were very desirous to help 
the following churches : Manchester, Burlington, Berlin, 
Newington, Milton, King Street, Ridgefield, North Stam- 
ford and Second Windsor, but found themselves unable 
to do so. The brethren and sisters living in or near Willi- 
mantic were advised to form themselves into a church, the 
churches of Lebanon and Mansfield consenting and aid- 
ing them, and the State Missionary was directed to give 
his attention to the matter. 

At the February Board meeting in Hartford the Rev. 
Levi Kneeland was recognized as a missionary at 
Packer's Factory and Voluntown, the previous appointees 
having failed to enter the field. Rev. Thomas Rand and 
Rev. E. Skinner had also labored as missionaries with 
acceptance. 

1828. The Convention met with the church in Middle- 
town on June 11. Nine new churches and seven- 
teen societies united with the body. Revs. Hill, Shailer, 
Wilson, F. Wightman and Cookson constituted the 
Board. A deep interest in the Burman Mission pre- 
vailed. The Christian Secretary was not forgotten. The 
number of trustees was increased, and the general inter- 
ests of the Convention seem to have been greatly pro- 
moted and its prospects encouraging. As to statistics of 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 25 

numbers the manuscript minutes are not clear till the ses- 
sion of 1831, when the number of communicants was put 
down at 8,296, churches 86, ordained ministers 68, and 
baptisms for that year 694. 



26 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter III. 
1830-183Q. 

The history of the Convention from 1823 to 1829, a 
period of seven years, was compiled from the files of the 
Christian Secretary. From this time on, however, we 
have the printed minutes. These records are so full, in- 
creasing in volume as the years pass and the interests with 
which the Convention concerns itself multiply, that it is 
a difficult task to determine what to take and what to 
leave out. 

In the minutes of 1830 we find an extract from those of 
1829 in which, after recounting in brief the history al- 
ready told, there is added: "This body has been in 
existence nearly six years, and has expended for foreign 
and state missions over $6,000. A number of state mis- 
sionaries have been annually in their employment, 
churches have been constituted, revivals of religion pro- 
moted, feeble churches strengthened, and we have reason 
to believe many souls will through a long eternity bless 
God that they were permitted to hear the Gospel 
preached by these servants of the Lord Jesus Christ." 

This summary of the history of the first six years is 
also a true forecast of the aims and achievements of the 
Convention through all the years of its subsequent his- 
tory. The fathers planned wisely, and laid the foun- 
dations of their work in prayer and consecration. Condi- 
tions since their time have greatly changed. The un- 
expected and unforeseen has happened. It were better to 
say, since there is no "hap" in the overruling Providence, 
God has thrust upon the Convention burdens and oppor- 
tunities that the fathers never dreamed of. There had 
indeed already begun to pass over the state changes which 
were to imperil the continued existence of many of our 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 27 

rural churches. The depopulation of the country towns 
had fairly set in, partly owing to the opening up of the 
great West which, with its broad acreage and more fer- 
tile soil, lured the younger and more enterprising farm- 
ers, but still more owing to the growing manufacturing 
interests which were concentrated in the river towns and 
larger cities of the state. 

Most of the Baptist churches had been located in the 
rural districts, and these found it increasingly difficult 
to maintain themselves. While one purpose, if not the 
main purpose, of the Convention was to meet these new 
conditions already apparent, the fathers could not have 
foreseen how serious the question was to become, nor 
how many of these churches were destined to extinction 
in spite of the efforts made to maintain them. Still un- 
foreseen was the rapid increase of the foreign population 
through which today over sixty per cent, of the residents 
of the state are either foreigners by birth or children of 
foreigners. 

It is evident that the fathers and founders of the Con- 
vention had other and farther reaching motives than the 
evangelization of their own state. For many years the 
larger portion of their gifts, and the greater part of their 
deliberations, were devoted to promoting the spread of 
the Gospel in what was then the West, where their sons 
had emigrated. Nor were they content to stop their 
prayers or stay their outreaching beneficience till they 
reached the "uttermost parts of the earth." For the 
first twenty years, 1830 to 1849, the gifts for state mis- 
sions were $14,646, while for foreign missions they 
amounted to $39,993, and a still larger sum was given to 
to the Home Mission Society and the Bible Society. 

1830. The seventh annual meeting of the Convention 
was held in Mansfield, in the church now known 
as "Spring Hill." The session was opened by Rev. Rufus 
Babcock, pastor of the North Colebrook church, which 
was then large and prosperous. Rev. Elisha Cushman 
was chosen President; Rev. John Cookson, Secretary, and 



28 HISTORY OF THE 

Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer. Sixty-five churches were 
on the roll, though only twenty-nine had sent delegates. 
Of these sixty-five churches nineteen have since fallen by 
the way, and nine of the remainder are still on the list 
of aided churches. 

A Good Word for an Educated Ministry. 

Rev. E. Thresher of the Northern Education Society 
was present and spoke for ministerial education, and 
doubtless received a contribution. At all events, his ad- 
dress bore good fruit, for the Convention adopted the 
following minute : 

"Whereas, The subject of ministerial education deeply 
interests the feelings of many of our brethren, who confi- 
dently express their opinion of its utility to Zion, there- 
fore, 

"Resolved, That it be recommended to all our churches 
candidly to examine the subject, and to pray earnestly 
that God will direct them in their duty." 

We see how cautiously this preamble and resolution 
are worded. Evidently the brethren were not entirely 
a unit on this matter. There was still a "lingering rem- 
nant" of our people, ministers as well as laymen, who 
were afraid that an educated ministry might come to con- 
sider itself independent of the Holy Spirit, and that too 
many other books might drive out the devout study of the 
One Book. But we shall see that the little seed dropped 
so timidly into the soil of these true and loving hearts 
soon grew to a full-sized plant. 

At this meeting Female Auxiliary Societies and Mite 
Societies, forerunners of the Women's Circles for Home 
and Foreign Missions, were represented by letters and 
contributions. 

A Protest Against Wearing Mourning. 

The committee on "the expediency of wearing mourn- 
ing" offered the following resolution, which was adopted 
without dissent: 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 29 

"Resolved, That the custom of wearing mourning ap- 
parel can afford to the afflicted no source of consolation, 
and is no evidence to the beholder of real grief, and we 
recommend that it be discontinued." No doubt many 
of us regret that this resolution, which has both common 
sense and real piety to commend it, did not possess the 
force of a self-enacting law. But it was passed by the 
votes of the male sex only, and was as powerless as was 
the famous bull against the comet. 

In the report of the Board of Trustees, by Rev. G. 
Robins of East Windsor, mention is made of the death 
of Rev. Samuel Miller, pastor of the Meriden church. 
Rev. Samuel Miller was father of Rev. Harvey Miller of 
Meriden, and grandfather of Edward Miller, still living 
in Meriden in 1908. 

Brethren William Bentley, I. Glazier, Levi Kneeland 
and J. B. Ballard had labored as missionaries. All these 
being settled pastors, had worked for the Convention 
only a part of the time, and at a wage of five dollars a 
week. Many interesting reports were made. One of 
these, read by Rev. G. A. Davis of the First church, 
Hartford, deserves special notice as an evidence of the 
world-wide sympathy that exists among Christian breth- 
ren. It was in relation to the cause of the oppressed 
Christians in Switzerland. "The history of the United 
States furnishes abundant evidence that all the efforts to 
prevent divisions of opinion by restricting religious free- 
dom have been ineffectual, as we believe they ever must 
be, in our present imperfect state, and we are convinced 
that the church is most secure which reposes on God alone 
for safety, instead of relying on the civil power." A 
committee was appointed to communicate these views to 
the Established Church in Switzerland and to plead with 
that church for freedom of conscience in matters of 
religion. 

1831. The Convention met in Meriden, June 8. The 

officers were: Rev. Elisha Cushman, President; 

Rev. John Cookson, Secretary, and George Read, Treas- 



30 HISTORY OF THE 

urer. Rev. J. H. Linsley was presented for ordination. 
A committee appointed to examine the candidate ap- 
proved him and recommended that he be ordained. But 
as there is no record of his ordination taking place it is 
to be supposed that the brethren were doubtful of the 
expediency of establishing such a precedent, and wisely 
refrained. At all events, there is but one repetition of 
such an incident in the subsequent records, and that is 
of one set apart as a foreign missionary. 

The secretaries or other agents of the following so- 
cieties were requested to furnish the Convention with 
concise accounts of their state and prospect: The "Con- 
necticut Branch of the Baptist General Tract Society," 
afterwards known as the Publication Society, the "Chris- 
tian Secretary Association," the "Connecticut Baptist Sab- 
bath-school Society," and the "Connecticut Education So- 
ciety," which had been organized in 1819. Delegates 
were appointed to visit the State Conventions of Massa- 
chusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and 
Vermont. The church in Willimantic, having exhausted 
its means in building, was heartily recommended to the 
churches for pecuniary aid, as there was no fund in the 
treasury to relieve them. 

Proposed Appointment of Delegates. 

Rev. L. Kneeland, in behalf of the Stonington Union 
Association, requested the privilege of sending delegates 
to the Convention directly from that body instead of 
from the several churches. The request was granted, 
but there is no evidence in the minutes either that the As- 
sociation availed itself of this privilege, or that it was 
granted to any other. Had it become the established 
custom in all associations it would have contributed much 
to the dignity and stability of the Convention, and greatly 
increased its efficiency. But Baptists have made a fetich 
of Church Independence. 

Eight churches received aid this year. Three brethren 
labored as missionaries : William Bentley, Joseph Glazier 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 31 

and E. Doty. In the minutes for this year we find a 
tabulated statement of the churches, arranged according 
to associations, and giving the vital statistics of each 
church. In this table 108 churches are enrolled, but 18 
of these were outside of the state. The baptisms reported 
were 694, and there was a total membership of 8,296. 

1832. The ninth annual meeting was held with the 
Middletown church June 13. The officers were 
Rev. Elisha Cushman, President; Rev. John Cookson, 
Secretary; Jeremiah Brown, Treasurer. By the passage 
of the following, special emphasis was laid upon the 
distinctive work of state missions: 

"Resolved, That the interests of our holy religion re- 
quire at this time the united exertions and hearty co- 
operation of the members and churches of the Baptist 
denomination, for assisting and sustaining our feeble 
churches, and for supporting the cause of Christ in our 
own state." 

The process of the depletion of the population in 
the rural districts was becoming each year more ap- 
parent. While the leaders of our people did not desire 
that the churches should do any less for the objects 
far afield, they felt that more should be done and 
could be done for the churches at home. This year the 
total benevolence of the churches as reported was $3,765, 
but of this $435, or about one dollar in nine, was devoted 
to the state work. For some years following this there 
was an improvement in this condition. The gifts to out- 
side objects did not lessen, but the proportion of gifts 
to state missions increased until it reached one dollar in 
eight, and one in seven, and in a few instances one in six. 
Still as the needs of the home field have been constantly 
enlarging, we are not surprised that the constantly recur- 
ring note in all the pleas of the Board has been "No less 
for other causes and other fields, but more and still more 
for Connecticut." 

During this meeting the Education Society, the Con- 
necticut Branch of the Publication Society, and the Con- 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

necticut Baptist Sunday-school Society, were invited to 
publish their several transactions in the minutes of the 
Convention. From this time on these reports form a 
large part of the Convention minutes. The limits of this 
volume, however, will forbid more than occasional refer- 
ences to these valuable agencies, which have contributed 
so largely to the prosperity of our churches, and have 
proved such aids to the work of the Convention. 

Rev. Jonathan Going, at that time Corresponding Sec- 
retary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
made an earnest appeal concerning the spiritual destitu- 
tion of the people of the Mississippi Valley. It was 
then 

"Resolved, That this Convention become auxiliary to 
the Home Mission Society on such conditions as may be 
determined by the Board." 

This was the first step toward that close union and co- 
operation which has been so great a help to the work of 
state missions, especially in the later years in activity 
among the foreign-born. Yet at the time this action was 
taken the foreigners were an unappreciable quantity. 

Action was taken in regard to the plague which had 
been ravaging Europe, and which it was feared might 
spread to this country. A day of fasting and prayer was 
recommended to be observed on the first Monday in July. 

A Deliverance on Wearing Jewelry. 

Extended reference was made to the letter of Dr. Ad- 
oniram Judson addressed to the women of our churches, 
urging them to avoid the wearing of costly jewels, and to 
dispose of these for the benefit of foreign missions. Two 
resolutions were passed, the first of which reads: 

"Resolved, That we view it as a cause of devout grati- 
tude to God that several of our female friends have con- 
tributed their gold ornaments to the cause of missions, 
and that all the members of our churches who wear such 
ornaments be affectionately invited to imitate their 
worthy example." Reference is made to this matter in 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 33 

two subsequent meetings, and other examples of this 
praiseworthy self-denial are given. But either the women 
of that day did not lavish much on ornaments of gold, 
or the great majority did not respond to this appeal. The 
value of all the fourteen articles of jewelry surrendered 
did not exceed thirty-five dollars. 

Ten churches were aided to the amount of $220. Rev. 
Wm. Bentley had continued in the service of the Board 
as missionary. The name of Rev. N. E. Shailer, after- 
wards so greatly beloved and revered, and so prominent- 
ly identified with the mission work of the Convention, 
appears for the first time. He served as missionary for 
three months, but then accepted the charge of the church 
in Montville. 

The Education Society had begun the enterprise of 
building the Suffield Institution. They had received 
$1,977, but had closed the year with a debt of $1,903. 

1833. The tenth annual meeting was held with the Le- 
banon church, on June 12. The same as last 
year, Rev. Elisha Cushman was President; Rev. John 
Cookson, Secretary, and Jeremiah Brown, Treasurer. 
Fifty-seven churches were represented by delegates. The 
constitution was amended "to allow each church to send 
two delegates, besides the ordained minister belonging 
to them, and each primary society one delegate, and that 
any member may come as representative." 

First Resolution on Temperance. 

In the minutes of this year appears the first resolution 
on the subject of temperance. It was presented by Rev. 
J. H. Linsley, and was a ringing arraignment of drunken- 
ness as a mortal sin, closing with this resolution: 

"Resolved, That we recommend to all the Baptist 
churches of this state that they wholly abstain from the 
use and vending of ardent spirits. " Such resolutions are 
found in nearly every year's minutes since that time. 
Soon after this a committee on temperance was annually 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

appointed and presented a formal report. The sentiment 
on this matter, as expressed by these reports, has been uni- 
formly vigorous and uncompromising. It is not judged 
necessary to give these reports room in this brief resume 
of the Convention's history of eighty-four years. They 
are of necessity largely repetitions, yet they show a 
decided advance in stringency as time goes on. Not only 
are "ardent spirits" tabooed, as in the foregoing resolu- 
tion, but "all intoxicating beverages." A resolution of- 
fered in a Convention today recommending that no mem- 
ber of a Baptist church should engage in the "sale of 
ardent spirits" would be a decided anachronism. 

The Convention and the Home Mission Society. 

The report of the Board deals largely with the Con- 
vention becoming an auxiliary of the Home Mission So- 
ciety. Certain conditions had been laid down by the lat- 
ter society, but these conditions were not accepted by 
the Convention. Probably this was because they dealt 
only with the employment of missionaries, and made no 
provision for aid to feeble churches. The formal co- 
operation of these two societies was therefore delayed 
for a few years. The later close union between them will 
be considered in its place. The Board had granted aid to 
fifteen churches. It had also continued Rev. William 
Bentley in its employ as missionary for forty weeks. Men- 
tion is made of the beginning of an interest in Tariffville 
under the labors of Rev. A. Bolles. 

The employment of a financial agent, as requested by 
the Board, was referred to a special committee which re- 
ported favorably, and the following action was taken* 

"Resolved, That the Board be directed to seek out and 
employ, as the organ of this body, a suitable brother who 
will take upon himself the fellowship of ministering to 
the saints, and of procuring the means necessary to the 
accomplishment of the designs of the Convention." The 
reader cannot but notice the quaintness of the phrase- 
ology, first in naming such agent as an "organ," and, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 35 

second, in implying that his appeals for money, made to 
the churches, would be in the nature of a "fellowship of 
ministering to the saints." Yet this is certainly the ideal 
description of one whose function is to gather the free- 
will offerings of the people for the service of the Lord. 
To the ready ears of the people his appeals should be as 
strains of sweet music. And how can one serve better 
in "the fellowship of ministering" than when he is made 
the almoner of the Christian's bounty to the spiritually 
destitute ? 

It was also proposed, by another committee, that a 
printed subscription blank should be prepared and sent 
to all the members of the churches. Foreign and Home 
Missions, and the Education Society, and the Publication 
Society, as well as the Convention, should have a place 
on this document. The suggestion was further made that 
one cent a month for each object from all the Baptists 
would amount to $5,000 a year. 

In this year is recorded the first annuity gift. It was 
from Mrs. Hannah Smith of Branford, and was a gift of 
one hundred dollars, to bear interest at six per cent, dur- 
ing her life. It is not known when this gift lapsed to the 
use of the Convention. 

The minutes of the Education Society occupy fourteen 
pages of this year's annual. The building of the Suffield 
Academy had been fully entered upon. There is a very 
interesting list of subscriptions made for the institution, 
and the name of every subscriber is given. Four hundred 
and seventy-three persons, representing fifty-one churches, 
contributed $9,662. 

1 834. The eleventh annual meeting was held with the 
First church, Hartford. The society continued 
with the same president and secretary as the year before, 
but the name of the treasurer does not appear. This ses- 
sion was made memorable by the presence of Rev. Dr. 
Wade and Mrs. Wade of Burma, Ho Chet Thing, a 
Karen preacher, and Moung Shwa Moung, a Burman 
convert. Dr. Wade preached from Psa. 74:20. Half of 
his sermon he preached in the morning, and the other 



36 HISTORY OF THE 

half in the evening. We can well imagine the absorbing 
interest felt in these services, and in the presence of these 
converts from the far-off heathen lands. 

The names of Rev. Robert Turnbull and of Rollin H. 
Neale appear for the first time in the minutes of this year. 
Dr. Turnbull's name will be found frequently recurring 
in this history. At this time he was pastor of the Second 
Danbury church. Dr. R. H. Neale became pastor in 
Southington. Thence he removed to Boston, Mass., and 
was for many years the beloved pastor of the First Bap- 
tist church and a tower of strength to the denomination. 
He was a native of Connecticut. 

The Board reported that twenty churches had been 
aided, and more direct missionary labor performed than 
in the previous year. Rev. Stephen S. Nelson had served 
as missionary for nine months, and Rev. B. Willard six 
weeks. Rev. William Bentley had served the entire year, 
and to his fidelity the Board bore this testimony: "It 
has been truly cheering to see that veteran soldier of Em- 
manuel, Elder William Bentley, permitted to aid in and 
enjoy a series of meetings of so long duration and so 
eminently blessed, and that in a church of which he was 
once the pastor, in a house erected by his own procure- 
ment, and in the place of his family residence." 

The committee on the employment of a financial agent 
reported its inability to secure one, but was instructed 
to make diligent search, and to offer such compensation 
as it might deem expedient. 

The report of the Education Society announced that 
the Suffield Academy had opened in August, 1833, under 
the principalship of Rev. H. Ball. There had been an 
average of sixty students each term. A farm of sixteen 
acres, with spacious dwelling house and other buildings, 
had been purchased, and a contract had been made for a 
brick building to cost $4,500. 

1835. The twelfth annual meeting was held with the 

church in Middletown, Rev. J. Cookson, Pastor. 

Rev. J. H. Linsley, President; Rev. J. Cookson, Secre- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 37 

tary, and Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer. Another foreign 
missionary, present as a welcome guest at this session, 
was the Rev. E. Skinner from Liberia, Africa. This was 
the period when the scheme of colonizing the free colored 
people and the escaped slaves was in favor, and was 
deemed practicable. It received countenance and en- 
couragement even in the southern states, and recognition 
by the national government. It is still advocated at the 
present time (1907) by some visionary people, although 
it has been shown to be physically impossible owing 
to the rapid increase of the colored race, and morally 
impossible because the people themselves, being un- 
willing to be thus colonized, could only be forcibly de- 
ported. 

First Anti-Slavery Resolution. 

The first anti-slavery resolution on record in the min- 
utes was offered this year by Brother T. Huntington: 

"Resolved, That while man is, in this land of light 
and privilege, held in a state of bondage, and denied 
access to the Bible, it is the duty of the American people 
openly, definitely, and unreservedly to express a senti- 
ment of disapprobation, and thus lend an important aid 
towards the speedy removal of this demoralizing and 
soul-destroying evil." This resolution, seemingly so mild, 
was not directly entertained by the body, but was referred 
to a committee. As no more is heard of it we must infer 
that it was quietly smothered. The time of the anti- 
slavery agitation had not fully come. In later years the 
Convention made ample amends for its then existing 
lukewarmness. 

We find in the minutes of this year the name of Rev. 
J. L. Hodge, a native of the state, who, after several 
years of useful service in Connecticut became so promi- 
nent in the state of New York, as pastor of the Mariners' 
church, and of two churches in Brooklyn. 

The following action is interesting as a souvenir of a 
great work completed: 



38 HISTORY OF THE 

"Resolved, That this Convention is grateful to God 
for having continued the valuable life of Brother Judson 
until he has completed the translation of the whole Bible 
into the Burman language, and recommends to the 
churches to make liberal donations to aid in the printing 
and circulation of it among the idolatrous Burmans."* 

The Board reported that Rev. William Bentley had 
performed a short term of service, and that Rev. Breth- 
ren Chester Tilden, Erastus Doty, Seth Higby and C. 
Curtis had also been under employment for a few weeks. 
They had also employed a financial agent. "The agent 
entered on the duties of his office in September. At the 
meeting of the Board in December he reported that he 
had collected $276.14 for the American Baptist Home 
Mission Society. The Convention, it will be seen, de- 
rived no benefit from his appointment." The report en- 
larges upon the high qualifications needed for such an 
agent, and urges that search should still be prosecuted 
for such a man. 

The following extract from the report of the commit- 
tee on the American Baptist Home Mission Society il- 
lustrates the amount of work accomplished in those days 
at small expenditure. "During the past year this society 
had in the field ninety-seven missionaries, besides aiding 
in the support of several others. They performed sixty- 
eight years and five months' labor of one minister. Sixty 
churches have been constituted. At least twenty-five hun- 
dred were baptized. The entire expenditure, including 
administration, was only $8,839." 

The special committee on agent reported quite quaint- 
ly : "If a suitable man could be obtained we would strong- 
ly urge his appointment, but as we know of no such per- 
son, and as a bad or unskillful agent is worse than none, 
we recommend that the pastors of the several churches 
be appointed and empowered to act as agents in their 
respective churches. It is possible that if in later 

* It may be permitted the writer to add that he had the privilege of living six 
months, in Homer, N. Y., in the home of Mr. Ranney, the man who as missionary 
printer in Burma, had set every type in the Bible, and was proud of the achievement and 
profoundly grateful for the honor of having been a co-laborer with the saintly Judson. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 39 

years the brethren could have remembered this earlier 
experience in finding "the perfect man," they might in 
some cases have been more sympathetic and lenient and 
helpful toward those not yet made perfect, who have 
undertaken the duties of agents or superintendents of 
missions. 

The Connecticut Literary Institution, and a Cheap 
Education. 

At the meeting of the Education Society gratifying 
reports were given of the progress of the Suffield 
Academy. That it was the purpose of the promoters of 
this school to furnish an education at its lowest possible 
cost is evident from the following remarkable schedule of 
prices, which is given as printed in the minutes. Its 
curious jumble of the number of pieces allowed in the 
weekly wash with the bill of fare for the tables consti- 
tutes one of the curiosities of literature, comparable to 
the item in "Alice in Wonderland," detailing the charges 
in the boarding-school, "French and washing extra." 

Price of Tuition. 

For the languages, Latin, Greek, French and He- 
brew, per quarter, $5.00 

Higher branches of English, 4.00 

Common English branches, 3.00 

Prudential expenses, 25 

Board and washing, six pieces per week, including tea 
and coffee, $l.\2y 2 per week. Without tea and coffee, 
$1 per week. Furnished rooms from 50 to 75 cents per 
term." 

Surely the fathers and their children must have known 
something in those days of "plain living and high think- 
ing." And think of only a paltry difference of two dol- 
lars per term in price between the common English 
branches and the mastery of four foreign tongues, in- 
cluding Hebrew! The surrender of tea and coffee would 



40 HISTORY OF THE 

of itself provide the funds for these more erudite studies. 
All honor to those patrons of the school who made pos- 
sible the acquisition of so much learning. And all honor 
to the boys and girls of that hardy home-spun breed, who 
trod those classic halls, and luxuriated in furnished rooms 
that rented for fifty cents a quarter, and in board that 
cost a dollar a week. 

This year's minutes contained a statistical table of the 
churches, the first since 1831, and the last until 1840. 
Six associations were reported. Among these was the 
4 'Union Association," to which six Connecticut churches 
were attached: Wilton, North Stamford, New Milford, 
First and Second Danbury and Ridgefield. This As- 
sociation does not appear again. The Fairfield Associ- 
ation was formed in 1837, and the churches specified 
united with it. Four of these churches, Wilton, North 
Stamford, First Danbury and Ridgefield, have ceased 
to exist. New Milford is now known as the Northville 
church, though situated in the township of New Milford. 
In all the state there were reported 108 churches, 72 
pastors, 690 baptisms and 10,606 members. 

A Relief Society. 

We find an account of an experiment, begun in 1834, to 
form a society for the relief of the families of deceased 
ministers. It was a sort of Ministers' Life Insurance 
Company. The members were to pay $2 annually, and 
the family of the beneficiary was to draw $50 at his 
decease, "as soon as this amount should be paid into the 
treasury." It was further provided that if the funds 
should warrant, the directors might vote an additional 
sum. Eighteen pastors had joined the society, and $34 
were in the treasury. Brother A. Bolles had acted as 
treasurer, and was requested to furnish bonds. We hear 
no more of it. Doubtless it was found impracticable, 
largely owing to the constant changes in the pastorates. 
Yet it marked the first step toward the formation, in the 
associations, of the societies for "the Care of the 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 41 

Widows and Orphans of Deceased Ministers." It there- 
fore had its entire justification. 

1836. The thirteenth annual meeting was held in Nor- 
wich, with the First church. The officers were: 
Rev. John Cookson, President; Rev. Orasmus Allen, 
Corresponding Secretary; Rev. S. S. Mallory, Recording 
Secretary, and Deacon Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer. 

The American and Foreign Bible Society. 

Rev. Spencer H. Cone, D.D., pastor of the First 
church, New York, after preaching a sermon, presented 
the cause of this new organization. It had lately been 
formed on account of the refusal of the American Bible 
Society to aid in publishing any translation of the Bible 
in foreign tongues which translated the Greek words re- 
ferring to the ordinance of Baptism into their equivalents 
in the vernacular. The society insisted upon the trans- 
literation of such words, thus introducing a word in a lan- 
guage unknown to the people, so that the mode of bap- 
tism, whether by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, might 
be explained to the native convert at the discretion of the 
missionary. Dr. Cone's appeal for the full and faithful 
translation of the entire Word of God met with a cordial 
response. The following resolutions were adopted: 

"Resolved, That we are disposed to cooperate with 
our brethren in any judicious measure to sustain our mis- 
sionaries in a faithful translation of the Word of God. 

"Resolved, That we recommend the formation of a 
State Bible Society auxiliary to the American and Foreign 
Bible Society." 

This society was forthwith organized, a constitution 
and by-laws adopted, and a full list of officers appointed. 
Never perhaps was action more speedy and spontaneous, 
nor did an appeal ever meet more quick and generous re- 
sponse. The reports of this society at once took a promi- 
nent place in the transactions of the Convention, and the 
contributions for the next few years were large. 



42 HISTORY OF THE 

The Code of Rules. 

The committee appointed the previous year to formu- 
late a code of rules for the regulation of the Convention 
made a report, which was adopted. Only the first rule 
calls for special mention: "The oldest member present 
shall call the Convention to order and, after prayer, re- 
quest the delegates to present the certificates of their 
appointment." This rule of order has never been re- 
pealed. It has been honored more in its breach than in 
its observance. The first clause was abrogated by the 
by-laws adopted later, providing that the President, or 
in his absence the Vice-President, or the Secretary, should 
call the Convention to order. But an experience as 
Secretary for a period of sixteen years enables the writer 
to say that very few certificates of appointment have ever 
been presented by the delegates. This results partly from 
the fact that the great body of delegates have been per- 
sonally known, but still more from a natural democratic 
repugnance to formalities. Yet those familiar with the 
proceedings of the Convention will readily admit that 
this neglect of formalities has impaired the dignity of 
these meetings, and the legality of the actions of this 
body might be called in question. 

The Peace Society. 

This year was characterized by the appointment of a 
committee on the promotion of peace. Its report in part 
was as follows: "The popular custom of attempting to 
settle difficulties, and adjusting points of honor, by shed- 
ding the blood of our fellow-men is a palpable violation 
of the principles of our holy religion. It has also proved 
to be one of the heaviest and bitterest scourges which 
have afflicted our fallen world. Its heaviest blows fall 
upon the guiltless, rather than on those who have insti- 
gated the bloody combat." 

The report closes with fitting resolutions. Our breth- 
ren interested themselves in every humanitarian and 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 43 

philanthropic endeavor, recognizing that all these are in- 
cluded in the Great Commission. We can say with full 
conviction that the Peace Meetings held in eastern Con- 
necticut so persistently even to the present time have been 
a potent factor in promoting the national sentiment which 
has found its latest expression in the "Peace Conference" 
and the "Geneva Tribunal." 



Report of the Board. 

The direct missionary work done was less than usual. 
Rev. William Bentley was in the service of the Board 
thirty-four weeks, and collected for state missions $102. 
Rev. L. F. Beecher served for six weeks, returning for 
foreign missions $5.16, for home missions $113.59, and 
for state missions $149.13. Twelve churches, among 
which was the First Waterbury, had been aided to the 
amount of $259, while the Board had been compelled to 
refuse eighteen other churches which had applied for 
aid. The Convention had received only $494.29. 

1837. The fourteenth annual meeting was held with the 
South church, Hartford. The officers were: 
Rev. John Cookson, President; William Parker, Secre- 
tary, and Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer. A committee 
was appointed to revise the Constitution, and the docu- 
ment as thus modified was printed in this year's minutes. 
It is the first constitution that appears in the printed 
minutes of the Convention. 



Report of the Board. 

The report mentions the death of Rev. G. F. Davis, 
who "was foremost in all our councils, and a warm friend 
of the Convention." Rev. William Bentley had given 
nine months to the service of the Board. Brother George 
Phippin had spent nine weeks as collecting agent, and had 
raised $51.63. Fourteen churches had been aided this 



44 HISTORY OF THE 

year to the amount of $258.75. The report closes with 
the following indirect appeal for state missions: "The 
Home and Foreign Missions are enterprises of vast im- 
portance, but if we would see them well sustained we 
must cultivate our own territory." A report of a special 
committee, raised again this year, on a proposed agency 
for collecting funds says: "It seems to us inexpedient 
to appoint a general agent. We recommend as a substi- 
tute that the Secretary of the Board be directed to ad- 
dress a printed circular stating the wants of the feeble 
churches to each pastor, or to a deacon where there is 
no pastor, requesting them to lay the subject before the 
congregation, in whatever way may seem to them judi- 
cious, and make returns of the result to the Secretary." 

We have given space to these experiments in efforts to 
raise money from the churches because they have their 
lessons for our day. If the pastors would always do their 
full duty in this matter there would be no lack of money. 
But the history of the Convention up to this date, as 
well as all subsequent experience, has established the con- 
viction that the work of the Convention can be properly 
brought before the churches only by an agent of ability 
thoroughly conversant with the conditions and needs of 
the whole field. 

Deacon William Colgate, a leading layman of New 
York, was present and spoke in behalf of the American 
and Foreign Bible Society. The great earnestness of our 
people in the work of that society was shown by their 
generous contribution of $2,428 to its support. 

1838. The fifteenth annual meeting was held with the 
New London church. Rev. John Cookson was 
President; Rev. Henry Wooster, Secretary; Rev. Robert 
Turnbull, Corresponding Secretary, and Deacon Joseph 
B. Gilbert, Treasurer. This is the first appearance of 
Dr. Turnbull's name as one of the officers of the Con- 
vention, in which for many years he was "primus inter 
pares." It is also of exceeding interest to see the names 
of Rev. Howard Malcolm, Rev. Archibald Maclay and 




REV. ROBERT TURNBULL, D.D. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 45 

Rev. Alfred Bennett, all of whom were distinguished 
leaders in the Baptist host. 

Report of the Board. 

"Out of the meager funds placed at its disposal" the 
Board had aided fourteen churches, the First Bridgeport 
being one of the recipients of this bounty. It was not 
"many days" before the little loaf of bread "cast upon 
the waters" returned, as only two entries of help from 
the Convention to that church appear. This church has 
grown to be one of the strongest and most liberal 
churches in our state, and a "succorer of many." Not 
disheartened at the leanness of the treasury, and resolved 
at least to attempt great things for God, the Board took 
the following action, if resolving can be called acting: 

"Resolved, That the Board of Missions be directed 
to extend their patronage to every church of the denomi- 
nation in the state which, in their judgment, would be 
benefited by an appropriation." 

To show its patriotism, and at the same time to direct 
that patriotism in a religious channel, the Convention 

"Resolved, That it be affectionately recommended to 
our churches to observe the Fourth of July next by as- 
sembling their Sabbath-schools on that day, and spending 
it in such religious services as in their judgment will con- 
duce to their prosperity." 

1839. The sixteenth annual meeting was held with the 
First New Haven church, June 11. The officers 
were: Rev. J. H. Linsley, President; Rev. R. Turnbull, 
Secretary; B. Cook, Jr., Corresponding Secretary, and 
Joseph B. Gilbert, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

"During the past year $490.21 have been paid into 
the treasury for state missions. This sum has been 
distributed among sixteen churches, and $25 paid Rev. 



46 HISTORY OF THE 

Davis T. Shailer, a missionary worker in Branford. In 
accordance with a resolution passed at the last anni- 
versary the Board has made efforts to obtain a missionary 
to labor exclusively among the destitute churches, but 
has been unable to secure a suitable person. As efforts 
have been made by some associations to do something for 
the feeble churches within their limits, and a wish express- 
ed to cooperate with the Board, the following resolution 
was passed by the Board at its meeting in January: 

" 'Resolved, That this Board most cordially approves 
of missionaries being employed by the several associa- 
tions to labor within their respective bounds, and that 
the funds raised by the churches composing such as- 
sociations, and paid into the treasury of the Convention, 
be appropriated as far as shall be necessary for the sup- 
port of such missionaries.' 

"In carrying into effect this resolution the Fairfield As- 
sociation have set a noble example. Since October last 
they have raised and appropriated $104." 

We hear occasionally after this of like action on the 
part of other associations, but this custom fortunately did 
not establish itself. x\ny one familiar with the entire 
field of state missions knows that the largest needs are 
often within the associations that are less able to meet 
those needs. If all the moneys raised within the respec- 
tive associations, and only such, were spent on those par- 
ticular fields, there would be many churches and much 
territory utterly neglected. 

Rev. A. Bennett for the Home Mission Society, Rev. 
R. H. Neale, then of Boston, for the Foreign Mission 
Society, and Rev. Dr. Bolles for the same society, made 
earnest appeals. 

Temperance and Anti-Slavery Sentiment. 

Resolutions in regard to temperance and slavery were 
offered but were laid upon the table, and the following 
substitute for them presented by Rev. William Jennings, 
was passed: 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 47 

"Resolved, That in the belief of the Convention it is 
the duty of every human being to be a strict temperance 
person, and also that it is the right of every human being 
to be free, unless his criminal conduct should forfeit this 
freedom, and that the letter and spirit of the Gospel if 
carried out would completely effect both of these objects. 

"Resolved, Also, that while we most heartily desire the 
accomplishment of these objects, yet we deem it best to 
assign them to their respective societies, and that it is in- 
expedient for us to act upon them in future in our con- 
ventional capacity." 

It is evident from the spirit of these resolutions that 
while there was practical unanimity among the brethren 
in desiring the removal of these obnoxious evils, they 
were divided as to the wisdom of some of the methods 
urged, and did not wish to jeopardize the harmony of 
the Convention by the discussion of definite policies or 
catch-words. The resolutions were passed, yet no rule 
of order was adopted to carry them into practice. Re- 
ports and discussions on slavery are found in our minutes 
till slavery itself was abolished. Committees on temper- 
ance are appointed each year to the present time. These 
reports, of varying excellence, are always adopted, but 
the fact of their being adopted is not evidence that in 
method and form and phrase they meet with universal 
acceptance. 



48 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter IV. 

1840-18^. 

1840. The seventeenth annual meeting was held with 
the Essex church, June 9. Deacon George R. 
Read was chosen President; Rev. Russell Jennings, Secre- 
tary, and Deacon J. B. Gilbert, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

This report was unusually brief because little had been 
done. No missionary had been appointed, and the Board 
had confined itself to the simple task of distributing aid, 
as best it could out of the small sum at its disposal, to 
the churches that applied. It had ventured to overdraw 
the treasury only to the amount of $18.07. There had 
been received at the last session of the Convention 
$310.54, leaving for the year just passed $300. But dur- 
ing the following twelve months only $35.15 had found 
its way into the treasury. It furnishes a lesson which to 
this day our good brethren have not entirely learned, that 
the enthusiasm awakened in one meeting will not of itself 
carry the work over the following twelve months. 

Out of the small fund in hand, less than $350, the 
Board had granted aid to nineteen churches. Norwalk, 
New Britain and Waterbury were among the churches 
aided. There appear also the names of Avon, Hampton 
and Redding, churches which have long since ceased to 
exist. There was naturally a renewal of very earnest dis- 
cussion over the pressing needs of state missions, and the 
obligation of the churches to them. Several new resolu- 
tions were passed, including one to authorize the Board 
to employ two men of devotion and talent to act as gen- 
eral missionaries under their direction. But to one read- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 49 

ing the report of the succeeding years such action seems 
even more exacting than the decrees of the Pharaohs to 
the children of Israel, for in this case the Board was to 
double the tale of bricks when neither the straw nor the 
clay was furnished. 

Doubtless one great reason for this temporary decline 
of interest in the work of the Convention was the too 
open hospitality on the part of the churches to many 
objects good in themselves, but not directly bearing on the 
primary and supreme mission of the Convention. These 
appeals had an attraction by their novelty, while the 
work of the Convention presents so much sameness from 
year to year that it is in danger of being regarded as 
stale and commonplace. 

First Mention of Foreigners in the State. 

It is to be noticed that in the deliberations of the breth- 
ren mention is made for the first time of the increasing 
immigration to this country. No action was taken, how- 
ever. Several years were to pass, indeed it was just 
twenty-two years before the first step was taken toward 
working for the conversion of these people so provi- 
dentially committed to our care. In 1840 the population 
of the state was 309,000, and there were already some 
thousands of Irish Catholics. In 1860, when the popu- 
lation had increased to 460,000, there were 80,000 
foreigners, 55,445 of whom were of Irish birth, 8,525 
of German parentage, while there were only 42 Swedes 
and 61 Italians. Evidently we did not enter on the work 
any too soon. 

1841. The eighteenth annual meeting was held with the 
First Hartford church. Rev. Dwight Ives was 
chosen President, Rev. Nathan Read, Secretary, and 
Deacon J. B. Gilbert, Treasurer. We find also that Rev. 
William Reid was chosen Corresponding Secretary. This 
brother was another of the Connecticut pastors who at- 
tained distinction in the ministry in the city of New York. 



50 HISTORY OF THE 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

Seventeen churches had received aid to the amount 
of $400. An effort had been made to carry out the 
mandates of the Convention and to secure two competent 
men to act as missionary agents, but their churches had 
refused to release them. The Board sensibly adds : "That 
men might have been secured we doubt not, but it is our 
deep conviction that but comparatively few are adapted 
to this field of work, and to appoint those who are not 
would be to defeat the object of such appointment." 

Not disheartened by the repeated partial failures of 
the last few years, the friends of state missions again 
urged the appointment of the two men waited for. It 
was maintained that at least two such men should be 
nominated at the next annual meeting for acceptance or 
rejection. 

Home and Foreign Missions. 

Though such inadequate support had been given to 
state missions, the churches were not unresponsive to 
other appeals in behalf of the cause of Christ. Their 
total contributions footed up $3,631. In this meeting the 
Home and Foreign Missions, as always, found able and 
zealous advocates. We quote from the report presented 
on Foreign Missions, which shows the magnitude of the 
work, with its successes and its needs. The report says 
in part: "We have in all eighty stations, one hundred 
missionaries, one hundred and two native preachers, 
sixty-seven churches, and four hundred and sixty-two 
baptisms the past year. The receipts of the Board were 
$56,948, expenditures $61,860, leaving a deficit of 
$4,911." 

There is found in the minutes of this year a brief sum- 
mary of the letters from three of the aided churches, 
New Britain, Norwalk and Willimantic, all expressing 
their gratitude to the Convention for its financial and 
moral support. The Willimantic church had received aid 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 51 

since 1830. The last gift was made in 1847. These 
three have grown into large and influential churches. 

1842. The ninteenth annual meeting was held with the 
Baptist church in Middletown. Rev. Dwight 
Ives was President, Rev. J. S. Eaton, Secretary, and 
Deacon J. B. Gilbert, Treasurer. Ninety-two churches 
were on the list as entitled to send delegates, but only 
forty-eight were represented. There is also a list of forty- 
one societies within the churches, of which number only 
fifteen sent delegates. This is mentioned as a symptom 
of the apathy of many of the churches toward the work 
of the Convention. It may have been true, however, that 
other churches and societies were represented, but that 
the delegates failed to enroll themselves on account of 
their repugnance to the formality, on which comment 
has already been made. 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

The Board reported that eight churches had received 
aid to the amount of $255. Brethren N. Wildman and 
N. E. Shailer had been appointed missionaries. Of Bro- 
ther Shailer, who was so long and so happily connected 
with the Convention, the report says: "On account of the 
deep religious interest in his church he has been able to 
give only three months to the service, but the results 
have been equal to our most sanguine expectations. The 
charge for his services has been only $92." 

In the report of the committee to which was referred 
the letters from the aided churches, surprise was ex- 
pressed that only four of the eight had written to the 
Board, and the committee adds: "Would the churches 
who receive assistance be more regular in their reports, 
stating particulars of an interesting nature connected with 
their prosperity or adversity, we believe it would con- 
tribute greatly to the promotion of sympathy, and to 
the means of increasing to some degree the funds of the 
Convention." 



52 HISTORY OF THE 

The Treasurer reported as having received for State 
Missions, $442.90; for Home Missions, $1,066.99; for 
Foreign Missions, $2,780.73, and also avails of gold 
chain given by Sam'l G. Hart to foreign Missions, $5.58. 

In the report of the Treasurer of the Education So- 
ciety we also note the gift of a gold watch from some one 
in the New Haven Association, which netted seven dol- 
lars, and no doubt proved a timely gift. 

It will of course be borne in mind by the reader that 
during these years other societies than the Convention 
proper held their annual meetings. To include even the 
most meager reports of these societies would swell this 
volume to unwieldy proportions. In this year (1842) 
the Education Society held its twenty-fourth annual meet- 
ing, the Connecticut Baptist Sunday School and Publi- 
cation Society its thirteenth, and the Connecticut Baptist 
Bible Society its sixth. 

Years of Special Ingathering. 

The years 1842 and 1843 stand out conspicuously in 
the history of the Baptist churches of the state as years 
of special ingathering. Yet there is in the minutes no 
record of any unusual evangelistic effort having been 
made, nor is there any special mention made of it at the 
time. In 1842, with 100 churches and 13,399 members 
at the close of the year, after the gains had been made, 
1,531 baptisms were reported. In 1843, with 108 
churches, 84 pastors, and 13,999 members, the reported 
baptisms were 2,052. These numbers have never been 
equalled since. In 1907 we report 151 churches, 117 
pastors (probably a mistake in figures), 27,433 members, 
and 869 baptisms. The average number of baptisms for 
the eighty-four years' history of the Convention is 708. 
These two years of unusual fruitfulness were of course 
the result of a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yet 
equally of course there were certain contributory human 
preparations and agencies. We can but wish there were 
some still with us who could tell us of those days of old. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 53 

1843. The twentieth annual meeting was held with the 
Norwich church, Rev. Dwight Ives being Presi- 
dent, Rev. J. S. Eaton, Secretary, and Deacon J. B. Gil- 
bert, Treasurer. Among the visiting brethren were the 
Revs. John Peck, John Dowling and Archibald Maclay, 
all famous men in the Baptist ranks. 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

The report says in part: "Appropriations were made 
to eighteen churches to the amount of $452. If they 
have been able to give in some cases only half a loaf, 
where a whole one is needed, the divine blessing seems 
to have verified the declaration, 'They that gathered little 
had no lack.' . . Some churches have done nobly in 
liquidating debts. The Willimantic church deserves hon- 
orable mention in this particular, as having set an example 
worthy of all imitation." Gratifying letters had been 
received from several of the aided churches. A great 
temperance reformation had been sweeping through the 
state, which accounts in a measure for the large ingather- 
ing into the churches referred to above. The report says 
that while these additions were warmly welcomed they 
did not add to the financial strength of the churches, be- 
cause King Alcohol, before releasing them from their 
bondage had stripped them of all their possessions. 

A legacy of $1,000 from Philo Morse of Litchfield, to 
be spent in aid of the feeble churches in Litchfield county, 
had become available. Under direction of the Board, 
therefore, Rev. N. E. Shailer had spent some weeks 
visiting the churches in Torrington, Cornwall, Colebrook, 
New Milford, New Hartford, Burlington, Warren, Rox- 
bury and Litchfield. 

The Passing of the Country Church. 

Of the nine churches just mentioned only three remain 
to this day, viz. : Cornwall, Colebrook and New Milford, 
the last now known as Northville. The Torrington 



54 HISTORY OF THE 

church was in the country, four miles from the borough 
of Torrington, which latter was at that time known as 
Wolcottville, already a prosperous manufacturing center, 
and now having a population of 14,000. In 1892 the 
writer buried the two surviving members of the old Tor- 
rington church. The New Hartford church maintained 
itself for many years, through most of which it received 
aid from the Convention, but was abandoned a few years 
ago and its property sold. For these untoward events 
neither the churches themselves nor the Convention 
Boards are in any way responsible, unless the not having 
the gift of prescience is to be held a crime. It was owing 
to the inevitable drift of population to manufacturing 
centers. 

It was probably evident to business men, the "children 
of this world," who are "wiser in their generation than 
the children of light," that Winsted and Torrington were 
to be the leading towns of this county. Had the thousand 
dollars been spent then in planting churches in those two 
places, the large sums afterwards expended for that 
purpose could have been directed towards other inviting 
fields. 

The Treasurer's Report. 

There were raised during the year for the different 
purposes of the Convention: State Missions, $475.98; 
Foreign Missions, $2,362.87; Home Missions, $571.71. 
In addition to these sums which passed through the hands 
of the Convention Treasurer should be noted $340 to 
the Education Society, $72.11 to the Connecticut Publi- 
cation and Sunday-school Society, and $1,299 to the Con- 
necticut Baptist Bible Society, making a grand total for 
the year of $5,061.67. 

New London County Missionary Society. 

This year the churches of New London county and 
vicinity organized a missionary society and reported 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 55 

through their treasurer, P. C. Turner, the sum of 
$625.68. As these moneys had mostly been paid over to 
our different state societies, they were included in their 
respective reports. Nothing is heard from this society 
in subsequent minutes. It is to be concluded that this 
"separatist" movement had not in it the element of per- 
petuity. 

Plan to Regulate the Taking of Offerings. 

Rev. J. S. Eaton as chairman of a special committee, 
presented the following resolutions, which were adopted : 

"Resolved, That the churches in the state be requested 
to act in concert according to the following plan, viz. : 
to each quarter of the year let some specific object be 
assigned, its claims be presented, and an offering taken. 
For example, let the first quarter be devoted to Home 
and State Missions, the second to the Education Society, 
the third to the Bible cause, and the fourth to Foreign 
Missions. 

"Resolved, That the editor and publisher of the Chris- 
tian Secretary be requested to devote a portion of the 
paper during each quarter to the specific object under 
consideration, and to give such information and insert 
such articles as shall be calculated to stimulate the 
churches to faithfulness and duty in their action." 

Doubtless it took time to work out the reform thus 
recommended, but now the most if not all of our churches 
have forsaken the old hap-hazard methods, and adopted 
some plan similar to the one outlined in these resolu- 
tions. 

1844. The twenty-first annual meeting was held with 
the New Haven church, June 11-13. Rev. Addi- 
son Parker was chosen President, Rev. E. Cushman, 
Secretary, and Brother Wareham Griswold, Treas- 
urer. 

Deacon Joseph B. Gilbert had held the office of Treas- 
urer for a period of nine years and had been "found 



56 HISTORY OF THE 

faithful." Though no very large sums at that time 
passed through the hands of the Treasurer, yet the ac- 
counts were complicated, as the funds collected for Home 
and Foreign Missions were transmitted through the Con- 
vention treasury. Deacon Gilbert's services were in- 
valuable. We are surprised to find no record of appreci- 
ation in the minutes, but doubtless his record was in the 
hearts of his brethren. The brother who succeeded him, 
Wareham Griswold, was destined to serve the Conven- 
tion for many years, to witness a large increase of Con- 
vention funds, and to bear an increasing weight of re- 
sponsibility. 

Rev. E. Cushman, chosen Secretary, held the office 
for one year, and after being succeeded for two years by 
Rev. J. S. Savage, was returned to the office, which he 
held and adorned for a quarter of a century. Our time 
to write of him will come later. 

The Report of the Board of Trustees. 

This was read by the retiring Secretary, J. S. Eaton. 
Twelve churches had been helped to the amount of 
$328.47. In pursuing the missionary work the plan of 
the Board had been to concentrate their efforts upon 
some particular section. The field selected had been 
Cornwall and vicinity. Brother N. E. Shailer had labored 
there, at first under very great discouragements, but he 
was at last permitted to witness the manifestations of 
God's gracious favor. Meetings were held daily for 
several weeks. Sixty-seven were baptized, a church had 
been constituted at Cornwall Hollow with seventy-four 
members, and a house of worship was being erected. 
Brother Shailer was assisted by Rev. A. D. Watrous. 

The death of the Rev. J. H. Linsley was announced, 
and resolutions of condolence were passed, but no account 
of his life is given. As Rev. Eugenio Kincaid was home 
from Burma, the Board was directed to secure his ser- 
vices to visit the churches of the state. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 57 

1845. The twenty-second annual meeting was held in 
New London, June 10-12. Rev. J. S. Swan was 

chosen President, Rev. J. S. Savage, Secretary, and Bro- 
ther Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. 

A Step in Advance. 

The report of the Board, presented by the Secretary, 
Rev. E. Cushman, says: u Last year the entire amount 
reported as expended for state missions was less than 
$300. This year we are permitted to report the ap- 
propriation of $1,031.64, exclusive of the amount ex- 
pended by one or two county societies." The Board suc- 
ceeded in engaging the entire services of Rev. N. E. 
Shailer at a salary of $400 per year and traveling ex- 
penses. A part of his time had been spent in collecting 
funds, and the remainder in exploring destitute regions 
and counselling and assisting feeble bands of disciples. 
The new church building at Cornwall Hollow had been 
finished free from all encumbrance. 

Rev. Mr. Atwater had done work as a missionary in 
Fairfield county, and two or three others whose names 
are not given had labored in other portions of the state, 
though not sent out by the Board. Nineteen churches 
had been aided at a cost of $505. Four new churches were 
received into the fellowship of the Convention, Mont- 
ville Union, Noank, Greenville and Torrington (old). 
Mention was made of the death of Rev. W. G. Miller, 
pastor of the Essex church. 

The reports of the various committees on State Mis- 
sions, Home and Foreign Missions, and Bible Society 
were of unusual interest and elicited a good deal of dis- 
cussion. At the close of the minutes the Secretary char- 
acterizes this session as "one of the most harmonious, 
profitable and highly devotional sessions" the Conven- 
tion has ever held. 

1846. The twenty-third annual meeting was held at 
Hartford, June 9-11. Rev. Jabez S. Swan was 

President, Rev. J. S. Savage, Secretary, and Wareham 
Griswold, Treasurer. 



58 HISTORY OF THE 

The Report of the Board of Trustees. 

The expectations of the Board had been raised by the 
increase of funds last year. They had cherished the hope 
of employing two state missionaries, but they had found 
themselves unable to do so for want of sufficient money. 
Brother Shailer had worked alone, but very acceptably 
and successfully. Three hundred and ninety dollars had 
been distributed in aid to seventeen churches, and Brother 
Shailer had been paid $473.56. 

Meeting-house Stock. 

The Board, or the Secretary in its behalf, says in this 
report: "The present year has been a year unparalleled 
for drafts on the churches in this state in taking up meet- 
ing-house stock abroad, which in the estimation of the 
Board is a growing evil and an increasing hindrance to 
the missionary work, tending most fearfully to dry up the 
fountains of benevolence among Christians." Now help- 
ing other churches to pay their debts is not "a hindrance 
to missions," rather is it a help; nor can it "dry up the 
fountains of benevolence," but on the other hand will 
open those fountains. The singular phrase which the 
Secretary uses, "taking up meeting-house stock," coupled 
with the charges he brings against the practice, implies 
that the custom prevailed for churches in debt to borrow 
money from brethren and give promissory notes bearing 
tempting interest. If such was the case the lending of 
such money was a very sorry travesty of benevolence, and 
of very doubtful benefit to the borrower. It is possible, 
however, that we are misinterpreting the language used. 

Proportionate Giving. 

In the report of the Board, as frequently in later re- 
ports, the perplexing problem presents itself, "how to 
educate the churches in proportionate giving. It is not at 
all that the Boards grudge the larger amounts given to 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 59 

Home and Foreign Missions. From the time of its in- 
ception the Convention has done all in its power to stimu- 
late that benevolence. It is sometimes forgotten that the 
Home Mission Society as a national enterprise has the 
whole Baptist membership for its constituency. And 
under the vast claims of Foreign Missions the whole 
Christian world stands pledged to carry the Gospel to all 
nations. But what is done for Connecticut must be done 
by its own people. 

Ordination of a Missionary. 

At the suggestion of the Executive Committee of 
the American Baptist Missionary Union, and with 
the sanction of the church of which he was a mem- 
ber, Brother Erasmus M. Jencks came before the 
Convention and asked for ordination. The Con- 
vention resolved itself into an ecclesiastical coun- 
cil, and after having fully examined the candidate 
and declared itself satisfied, proceeded to a pub- 
lic service of ordination. Brother Jencks was under 
appointment to the foreign field. This very unusual ser- 
vice added great interest to this meeting of the Conven- 
tion. Mr. Jencks was sent to Bangkok, but after a few 
months returned to the United States on account of the 
illness of his wife. His subsequent history is unknown. 

1847. The twenty-fourth annual meeting was held with 
the church in Deep River, June 8-10. Rev. R. 
Turnbull was President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, 
and Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. 

The Board reported that thirteen churches had shared 
the benefactions of the Convention in amounts varying 
from twenty to fifty dollars. Rev. N. E. Shailer, the de- 
voted missionary, had been ill for some months. To sup- 
ply his lack of service the Board had engaged Rev. D. 
D. Lyon, who had been indefatigable in labor. 

Efforts Made at Collinsville. 

What seemed at the time a promising beginning to- 
ward forming a Baptist church was made this year at 



60 HISTORY OF THE 

Collinsville. The Collinsville Manufacturing Company 
had tendered the use of a commodious hall. Rev. Lester 
Lewis was appointed by the Board to labor there, and a 
good sized congregation was gathered. The work was 
continued with much acceptance by Rev. C. H. Topliff. 
No church was formed, however, and after about two 
years the work was abandoned. 

An Effort That Succeeded. 

It was during this year that Rev. D. D. Lyon began a 
work in the village of Wilkinson, formerly known as 
"Pomfret Factories." A few brethren were recognized 
as a branch of the Fomfret church, and measures were 
already in train for the erection of a house of worship. 
This church has rapidly grown since Wilkinson has been 
changed to Putnam. The Putnam church has long been 
recognized as one of our strongest churches, and its pas- 
tors and laymen have been among our most useful and 
honored workers. We see the wisdom of this movement 
of preempting the flourishing village as a field for Bap- 
tist work and providing for a successor to the Pomfret 
church, which was so soon to become depleted and vanish 
away. 

A Second Mention of Immigration. 

In a report on Home Missions presented by Dr. A. G. 
Palmer, we find the second mention of the perils to the 
country attending the rapid flow of immigrants. "In ad- 
dition to this, the unparalleled immigration from the old 
world, the unevangelized masses daily thrown upon our 
shores, the fearful combination of influences equally 
hostile to our civil and religious institutions, the bold 
and threatening attitude of the man of sin, the ever- 
widening extent of territory to be occupied — all these 
are but so many indications of Divine Providence com- 
mending the work of Home Missions to our warmest 
sympathies and prayers." 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 61 

We are soon to become familiar with these earnest 
pleas for the conversion of the foreigners among us. But 
it will be noticed that the danger and the duty seem as yet 
remote from New England. It is all in the Far West. 
There is no suggestion of taking up the work in Con- 
necticut. Yet the hour of opportunity had already struck. 

1848. The twenty-fifth anniversary was held with the 
church in Suffield. Rev. Dwight Ives was Presi- 
dent, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, and Brother Ware- 
ham Griswold, Treasurer. 

For a part of the time the Board had employed three 
missionaries, Rev. N. E. Shailer, Rev. D. D. Lyon and 
Rev. A. D. Watrous. 

The labors of Brother Lyon in North Ashford had re- 
sulted in the formation of a new church in what was then 
known as Pompey Hollow, but afterwards as South Cen- 
ter Ashford. This church was to be established on 
"thorough temperance principles, as well as upon Gospel 
lines." 

The Church in Seymour. 

The report of the Board gives an account of the "suc- 
cessful effort" of Rev. N. E. Shailer to establish a church 
in Humphreysville. The report says: "We regard this 
as one of the most important points we have ever under- 
taken to occupy, and as the good providence of God so 
ordered events that the services of Brother William Deni- 
son could be secured as pastor of this new interest, we 
have taken the responsibility of pledging his support for 
one year." As Humphreysville was later known as Sey- 
mour, and Seymour has continued to grow to this day 
(1908), we can easily see the good Providence of God 
that led to the planting of this church. But it is not by 
any means so easy to interpret the unfortunate events 
that led so soon to the abandonment of an enterprise 
which looked so hopeful. It is not so easy to see how the 
failure of the enterprise could have been of God; pos- 



62 HISTORY OF THE 

sibly it resulted from want of funds at a critical stage. 
Even at that early period, in a community in which other 
evangelical churches, Congregational, Methodist and 
Episcopalian, were already fairly entrenched, a Baptist 
church could not be established without heroic strug- 
gle for a period of years. There would be no justification 
for a new church to seek a field in such a place if the 
increasing population did not fully warrant an increase 
in the number of churches. Just those conditions did 
prevail. We can trace one good result from the effort 
made. Mr. Beach, who had joined the young interest 
in Seymour, transferred his membership to Ansonia 
when the church in that place was started, and was a 
very valuable member for many years. 

A Change of Policy. 

It is manifest from the reports of this and the fol- 
lowing year that the Board was changing its policy. In 
this year and in 1849 appropriations for assistance were 
made to only four churches, whereas in the past from 
ten to twenty such churches had been aided. Yet the 
churches had contributed much larger sums than former- 
ly. The Board says : "Several other churches have made 
application, but your Board deem it inexpedient to acceed 
to these requests. . . Some of these churches have 
received aid for a succession of years, and with regard 
to most of them, it seems to us their condition was such 
that no pecuniary assistance which we could have con- 
sistently offered would have added materially to their 
strength. What precisely is the proper course to pursue 
may be a question deserving the special consideration of 
the Convention." 

This question has been repeatedly coming up for dis- 
cussion at all our meetings. If not presented in the re- 
ports of the Board, it is always heard on the floor: "Shall 
we continue indefinitely these so small gifts to the 
churches — so small severally, yet amounting to so much in 
the aggregate — so small that if a church can support itself 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 63 

with them, it would seem that with only a little more 
effort it could do without them? Or shall we devote all 
our energies to the support of preachers and evangelists, 
both as helpers to the pastors and as pioneers in unoc- 
cupied fields?" These are some of the questions which 
are constantly raised, and which are not yet definitely 
settled. 

It would be going beyond his province for a mere 
chronicler of events to give his opinions. Still the writer 
presumes so far as to say that the most satisfactory re- 
cord of the Convention is where it has taken up in 
earnest the planting and nourishing of a new church in 
some growing town, or some neglected portion of a city 
and pushed the work to success. The Board of 1848 
answered the question by giving $105 to churches and 
spending $1,306 in support of missionary evangelists. 

1849. The twenty-sixth anniversary was held with the 
church in Bristol. Rev. Harvey Miller was the 
President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, and Wareham 
Griswold, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

This report, like twenty others that followed it, was 
written by the faithful secretary who had done, and 
continued to do such excellent service for the Convention 
as editor of the Christian Secretary. The report says 
in part: "Our plan during the past year has been to 
assist and strengthen by direct missionary labor some of 
the feeble churches which have been accustomed to re- 
ceive aid. . . The efforts of the missionaries, N. E. 
Shailer and D. D. Lyon, in Clinton and Branford have 
met with good success. Quite a number have been added 
to the churches, debts have been materially lessened, and 
better methods instituted for raising money for expenses 
and benevolence. It is thought that these churches will 
in the future be independent of the Convention. Rev. 
D. D. Lyon has been preaching for two months in Rock- 



64 HISTORY OF THE 

ville, a society has been formed, and $250 have been 
subscribed for the maintenance of worship." 

Beginning Work at Fair Haven. 

Of Fair Haven as a promising field for the planting of 
a new church the report says: "This village* has a 
population of three thousand. Among them are thirty 
Baptist members. The accommodations for public wor- 
ship furnished by other churches are far too limited for 
the wants of the community. A new hall in a central lo- 
cation can be obtained, and as one brother has offered to 
pay one half of the expense, it seems quite desirable that 
the position should be occupied if possible." 

This certainly was a most propitious opening, but the 
writer cannot say just how much was attempted at that 
time. The hall may have been secured and occasional 
and desultory services may have been held, but the church 
was not organized until 1871, twenty-two years after this 
first door of hope was opened and then suffered to be 
closed. The expenditure of a few hundred dollars in 
1849, followed by assistance for four or five years, would 
have enabled the Baptists to establish themselves on a 
footing somewhat like that of the other churches. When 
the work was finally entered upon the village had been 
made a part of New Haven and there were two Con- 
gregational churches, two Episcopal, one Methodist and 
a large Catholic church, all firmly established and having 
large and attractive houses of worship. 

There is reason to believe that one prevailing cause 
for the long delay — the frost that nipped the tender 
blade — was the timidity or short-sighted jealousy of the 
New Haven church, which made it unwilling to dismiss 
a handful of its members. This, coupled with the re- 
luctance of the brethren of Fair Haven to assume burdens 
which they feared they might be left to bear alone, re- 
sulted in a regrettable failure to grasp the golden oppor- 
tunity. We know that these considerations often have 

*Not then incorporated with the city of New Haven. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 65 

proved obstacles to the best progress of the kingdom. 
The brethren concerned have had a zeal for the individual 
church, but too little interest in the larger affairs of the 
denomination. 

First Aid to the Colored Churches. 

This year witnessed the beginning of aid to the colored 
churches in the state. The two that were aided were 
the Third church, Stonington, and the Immanuel church, 
first known as the Zion church, New Haven. 

The Third Stonington received aid only five times, to 
the total amount of $55. It has not at any time been a 
strong church, but it has been and still is a quiet, staid, 
conservative, self-respecting body. Only at intervals have 
its good people been able to support a pastor, but they 
always maintain the Sabbath service, the Bible-school and 
the mid-week prayer meeting. They seldom forget an 
annual offering to the Convention. 

The New Haven Immanuel has had a checkered career. 
It has received aid in sixteen grants, amounting to $1,195. 
It has for several years given a very good account of 
itself. It has a good house of worship on West Chapel 
Street and its membership is now (1907) 540. Its able 
pastor, Rev. A. C. Powell, D.D., has been with it for 
fourteen years. 

The Treasurer reported a balance from last year of 
$307.05; receipts from all sources, $1,256.05; expendi- 
tures, $1,483.02. 

Two new churches were admitted to the Convention, 
Huntington Street, New London, and South Colebrook. 



66 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter V. 

1850-1859. 

The minutes of the Convention during this decade con- 
tinue on the same general plan as before. The Rev. E. 
Cushman retains the office of Secretary, and Deacon 
Wareham Griswold that of Treasurer. It is impossible 
to overestimate the value to the Convention of the ef- 
ficient service gratuitously rendered by these officers. The 
following committees were appointed each year: on State 
Missions, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Bible 
Cause, and Publication Society. The reports of these 
several committees and the discussions following them 
occupy a large portion of the printed minutes. 

The Convention Treasurer not only continued to re- 
port the receipts and disbursements of the Convention, 
but also undertook to report the moneys contributed to 
the various missions. This was a difficult task, as little 
of the money actually passed through his hands, although 
he required vouchers. The practice was afterwards dis- 
continued. 

We have used the later adopted term State Missions, 
instead of the term "Domestic Missions," the latter of 
which has sometimes been confused in the minds of the 
brethren with Home Missions, and its use has resulted in 
the loss of some legacies. 

1850. The Convention met with the First church, Hart- 
ford, Rev. R. Turnbull, pastor. Rev. S. D. 
Phelps, D.D., was chosen President. 

The Report of the Board. 

Brethren N. E. Shailer, William Denison and D. D. 
Lyon had continued in the service of the Board. "The 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 67 

deliberations of the Board at all their meetings have been 
attended with much perplexity, owing to the tardy influx 
of funds into the treasury. Our missionaries have been 
so occupied that they could not devote much time to the 
collecting of money. Up to this time not one half of 
the amount recommended by the Convention and ap- 
portioned among the churches, has been paid in." Dur- 
ing this session funds were received nearly sufficient to 
meet the appropriations. Referring to the work that had 
been proposed in Fair Haven the report says: "Among 
the places visited we may mention the village of Fair 
Haven which, it will be recollected, was referred to in 
our last report as presenting a favorable opening for a 
Baptist interest. Upon further inquiry and inspection, 
however, the circumstances were found far less encourag- 
ing than had been supposed, and up to this time your 
Board have not felt warranted in making any further 
outlay for the establishment of a church in that village." 
At the same time the church in Newtown was helped in 
the building of a new house and the church in Gaylord's 
Bridge was received into the fellowship of the Conven- 
tion. Well, wisdom after the event is a worthless asset in 
the kingdom. We can only act according to our best 
light at the time, and leave the issue with Him who 
knows. 

The interest in Rockville was found to be hopeful 
under the ministry of Rev. D. D. Lyon. Several baptisms 
had occurred, and a sum of $1,400 had been secured to- 
wards a church edifice. The church in Northville had 
been greatly helped in a series of meetings held by Mis- 
sionaries Shailer and Lyon. Five churches had received 
aid to the amount of $160. 

Pecuniary Aid to Churches. 

In the report on State Missions made by Rev. C. Wil- 
let the following statement occurs : "While we would not 
recommend the abandonment of the plan of aiding as we 
may be able, hopeful churches in sustaining the admin- 



68 HISTORY OF THE 

istration of the Word and ordinances among them, we do 
think that the comparative results of the former and the 
present system ought to satisfy every one that to give up 
the missionaries and distribute all the funds among the 
churches would be to remove the chief glory from our 
operations, therefore 

"Resolved, That we recommend to the new Board to 
pursue with diligence the system of the last few years, 
combining with the labors of faithful missionaries' aid to 
promising churches, however feeble." 

In the former years fifteen or twenty churches had been 
aided each year; in the last few years only four or five. 
Yet it must be remembered that many of the other 
churches had profited much by the visits and counsels and 
evangelistic labors of the missionaries, gifts better than of 
"silver and gold." 

Foreign Missions. 

The able report on foreign missions was presented by 
Rev. J. N. Murdock, at that time pastor of the South 
church, Hartford. Dr. Murdock was afterwards for 
many years one of the Secretaries of the American Bap- 
tist Missionary Union. 

Dr. Ives of Suffield offered the following resolution, 
which was adopted: 

Whereas, Our beloved Brother and Sister Vinton are 
soon to leave us to return to their toils and labors among 
the Karens, that people so eminently prepared of the 
Lord to receive the Gospel, 

Resolved, That as members of this Convention we 
recognize with devout gratitude the distinguishing grace 
of God conferred on them and on us, in calling them 
from among us to this holy work, for the eminent suc- 
cess which has crowned their labors, for the sweet inter- 
course enjoyed with them during their visit, in our public 
meetings and in our families, for the conversion to God 
of both their dear children, and for the invigorated 
health with which they return to their field of labor. We 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 69 

hereby tender to them assurance of our confidence and 
esteem, and pledge them our prayers and cooperation. 

The Vintons were members of the church on Willing- 
ton Hill. They filled out a long term of service in Burma, 
and their children followed in their steps. Their grand- 
children are in the field today among our most honored 
missionaries. 

The Treasurer had received from all sources : 

For State Missions, $1,677.44 

For Foreign Missions, 5,115.78 

For Home Missions, 775.69 

Bible Society, 723.35 

Publication Society, 91.30 

Total, $8,383.56 

1851. The twenty-eighth annual meeting was held with 
the church in Stonington Borough, June 10-12. 
Rev. E. T. Hiscox was President, Rev. E. Cushman, 
Secretary, and Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. Among 
the visitors who were registered, besides the official 
representatives of the national societies, we find the 
names of J. M. Haswell, Maulmain; A. Waring, Hayti, 
W. I., and M. J. Gonsalves of the Portuguese Mission. 
Our brethren continued to keep in touch with the "ends 
of the earth." 

Report of the Board. 

Brethren N. E. Shailer, William Denison and D. D. 
Lyon had been reappointed. Brother Lyon had accepted 
a call to Jewett City; the other brethren had served 
through the year. Brother Denison had continued his 
labors in Humphreysville (Seymour), and had secured 
$2,200 towards building a house of worship which was 
then approaching completion. He had rendered valuable 
aid in Newtown, Branford, Greenville, Canton and Plain- 
ville. Appropriations amounting to $525 were made to 



70 HISTORY OF THE 

six churches. These six churches fulfilled the condition 
imposed upon the Board by the vote of the Convention, 
that churches aided should have a "hopeful outlook," for 
they all abide to this day. Yet four out of the six are 
numbered among our aided churches after the lapse of 
fifty-six years. A legacy of $1,264.50 was received from 
Miss Rhoda Cook, late of Hartford. 

Seven Years' Retrospect. 

"It is now somewhat over seven years since we have 
been steadily pursuing our present system of missionary 
operations, and through the blessing of God we are per- 
mitted to reckon the following among the results. New 
churches have been constituted at Cornwall Hollow, 
Pleasant Valley, Brookfield, Wilkinson, Ashford, 
Humphreysville and Rockville, all of which we believe 
are advancing, and some of them in quite prosperous cir- 
cumstances. New houses of worship have been built or 
provided for, or in progress, in each of these places, be- 
sides one in Newtown and one in Colebrook, making 
in all nine new meeting-houses. Five or six churches have 
been, as we may say, effectually assisted and relieved from 
long-standing embarrassments." 

1852. The twenty-ninth annual meeting was held with 
the First church, New Haven. Rev. Jabez S. 
Swan was chosen President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, 
and Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

"Your Board during the past year have continued their 
efforts upon essentially the same system as for the seven 
previous years. Brethren Shailer and Denison have re- 
tained their commissions, and although as heretofore we 
cannot report in detail, we can say they have continued 
faithful, laborious and efficient. A large portion of 
Brother Shailer's time was devoted to the young interest 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 71 

in Plainville. This enterprise has succeeded beyond our 
expectation, a church has been organized, a house of 
worship erected and Rev. P. G. Wightman settled as pas- 
tor. The labors of Brother Denison at Humphreysville 
have been successful. The church edifice has been com- 
pleted, twenty-three have been added to the church, 
and Rev. William Goodwin settled as pastor." The 
church in Greenville, now known as Third Nor- 
wich, was heavily in debt and threatened with fore- 
closure on its property. By the help of the missionaries 
enough money was raised to avert this disaster. Aid was 
granted to seven churches, $215 to all. 

The ''Olive Branch Baptist Society, Colebrook River," 
was received into the fellowship of the Convention. We 
believe there was, for a few years, a church called the 
"Colebrook River Church," but we find no further refer- 
ence to it in the minutes. The peaceful name adopted by 
the brethren was the outcome of dissension, and it might 
better have been called a "breach" than a "branch." 

The meetings of the Convention were increasing in at- 
tendance and interest. There was also a growing demand 
for the minutes, which recorded the transactions of the 
auxiliary societies, as well as those of the Convention. 
This year the Convention ordered the printing of eight 
hundred copies instead of the four hundred which they 
had usually printed. The Treasurer reported: 

For Foreign Missions, $3,867.82 

For Home Missions, 1,712.08 

For State Missions, 1,420.00 

For Bible Society, 529.89 

Publication Society, .... 75.00 



Total, $7,604.79 

1853. The thirtieth annual meeting was held with the 
Central church, Norwich. Rev. William Reid 
was President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, and Ware- 
ham Griswold, Treasurer. 



72 HISTORY OF THE 

Report of the Board. 

"The past year has not been as fruitful of immediate 
and obviously cheering results as some previous years. 
Yet it would be a hasty judgment to pronounce it there- 
fore an unprofitable year. . . The applications for 
aid have been more numerous and pressing than usual, 
and we have endeavored to meet them according to the 
urgency of the cases. Eleven churches have received aid 
to the amount of $390/' The report gives a detailed 
account of the labors of the two missionaries, Brethren 
Shailer and Denison. A beginning had been made in the 
town of Stirling which gave promise of success in the 
building of a new house of worship. 

A Pessimistic View. 

We insert an extract from a strong but discouraging 
report on State Missions made by Pastor William Reid 
of Bridgeport: 

"It is not wisdom to shut our eyes to the fact that few, 
very few, new churches of great promise have been 
gathered during the last few years, while many of our 
feeble churches are lingering on in a poor condition, 
growing weaker, their congregations smaller, their sup- 
ply of preaching more uncertain, and the sense of dis- 
couragement increasing. . . Our last minutes give 
the names of one hundred and sixteen churches. Forty-two 
of these gave nothing to any of the objects of the Conven- 
tion, only seventeen gave over $100 each to all these 
objects. . . It is also true that feeble churches are 
multiplying more than efficient ones. Does it not become 
us more fully to count the cost in planting churches and 
encouraging them to build meeting-houses?" 

Many a subsequent report, and many a voice from the 
floor, has deplored the same facts and uttered the same 
note of despondency. But it will be recognized that these 
are partial if not misleading statements and unbelieving 
fears. There are many unsuccessful business enterprises, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 73 

but while individuals suffer, the larger affairs of business 
move on. The work of the Convention confronts con- 
stantly changing conditions. If in the exercise of 
an infallible judgment, which is itself a chimera, 
only such churches had been established, and such 
churches encouraged to live as gave certain promise 
of growth and permanence, what would have been 
the result? Many of the country districts would 
have been utterly destitute of the means of grace, 
and people for whom Christ died as truly as he 
did for the denizens of our populous villages and 
cities, or for the heathen, would have perished in 
their sins. This also would have happened: that our 
larger churches would have been the poorer for the 
absence of that large number of virile Christian men and 
devoted Christian women, country-bred and nurtured in 
these country churches, who in the pulpits and in the pews 
have been the stay and strength of our city churches. 
That the Convention has never stopped its ears to the 
Macedonian cry from the thinly-peopled districts of our 
state, this is its glory. It has put in practice the words 
of the Master, "When thou makest a feast call in the 
poor and the needy that cannot recompense thee." 

1854. The thirty-first annual meeting was held with the 
South church, Hartford, June 13. Rev. J. N. 
Murdock was President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, 
and Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. Sixty-three churches 
were represented by one hundred and three delegates, 
and eighteen societies by one delegate each. 

Report of the Board. 

Eight churches had received aid to the amount of 
$511.75. Tariffville, Rockville and Humphreysville had 
each been paid one hundred dollars. The report says of 
these churches that they had by various circumstances 
been laid under an unusual pressure of embarrassment. 
In Tariffville a large manufacturing establishment had 



74 HISTORY OF THE 

failed. At Rockville also there had been business de- 
pression. At Humphreysville the church was still feeble 
and the outlook disheartening, yet the Board was reluct- 
ant to give up the project. The church in Greenville 
had lost its house by fire, but good progress had already 
been made in rebuilding. The missionaries, N. E. Shailer 
and William Denison had continued their varied labors 
with great acceptance to the churches and with constant 
tokens of the divine blessing. 

Church Extension. 

As illustrative of the attitude of the Board and of the 
Convention toward the planting of new churches, with 
their feeling of its desirability and its difficulties, we give 
these extracts from the report: 

"It seems of course desirable that Baptist churches 
should be established in all our growing villages and 
chief centers of business and population, and to a casual 
observer this may seem a perfectly simple and easy mat- 
ter. But such impressions are by no means realized in 
the actual experiment. In many instances we find no 
sufficient nucleus around which to gather a new interest. 
Often we are overborne by the numbers, wealth and con- 
trolling influence of other denominations. Then there 
are the numerous contingencies, fluctuations in business, 
changes of population, also the extreme difficulty of se- 
curing pastors adapted to such fields. . . It should 
not be thought very strange if in occasional instances our 
hopes have failed to be realized." 

The Missouri Compromise. 

In the doings of this year we find a record of the first 
protest against the repeal of the Missouri compromise, 
and the introduction of slavery into the new territories. 
Deacon Albert Day, so many years one of the strong- 
pillars of the South church, Hartford, offered some ring- 
ing resolutions, which were adopted without a dissenting 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 75 

voice. From that time until the close of the long strug- 
gle there were adopted in the minutes many such resolu- 
tions which we may not find space to record. We feci 
safe in saying that while the Baptists of our state, as of all 
the northern states, were unanimous in their loyalty to the 
Union, and nearly though not altogether so in their con- 
demnation of slavery, nevertheless they showed an un- 
failing charity toward their brethren in the South whose 
feet had been entangled in the meshes of the slave net. 
They mourned over the desolations in the South as truly 
as over those in the North. They recognize more truly 
now than they could then the moral force of the motives 
that actuated the South, and the loyalty which these 
southern brethren manifested to their states. 

1855. The thirty-second annual meeting was held with 
the Meriden church, June 12-14. Rev. Lester 
Lewis was President, while the Secretary and Treasurer 
remained as before. 

Report of the Board. 

"The year cannot be reckoned as amongst the brightest 
and most prosperous in the history of the Convention. 
In the commercial world it has been a season of pecuniary 
embarrassment and this has borne hard on many of our 
churches. . . Yet some of our churches have been 
visited with delightful seasons of refreshing and have 
rejoiced in the accession of large numbers. Twelve 
churches have been aided directly from our funds, $581 
in all. 

"Brother N. E. Shailer has worked alone on the mis- 
sionary field, Brother Denison having accepted a pas- 
torate. Brother Shailer has labored with the Greenville 
church, preaching for them during the illness of Rev. 
Niles Whiting, their pastor, and after his decease also 
aiding in the work of rebuilding their meeting-house." 

The Rockville church had been so weakened and was 
so much in debt that it had sold its house of worship. For 



76 HISTORY OF THE 

the want of a few hundred dollars to meet its necessities 
this church remained dormant for many years, to be re- 
suscitated only at a much greater outlay later, thus prov- 
ing the truth of the saying, "Who gives quickly gives 
twice." This year marked the beginning of the church in 
Falls Village or Bantam, where Brother Simonds had 
taken charge. 

1 856. The Convention met with the Middletown church 
June 11 and 12. Rev. W. S. Clapp was Presi- 
dent, the Secretary and Treasurer continuing in office. 

It is quite worth our while to devote the space allotted 
to this year to the tribute paid by the Board to the mis- 
sionary, Rev. N. E. Shailer. To no one man are the 
Baptists of the state more indebted than to this devoted 
disciple. The older people will recognize the truth of 
the picture. 

A Missionary's Work in Winter. 

"Such a succession of stormy Sabbaths, of drifting 
snows, and weeks of stinging cold as have characterized 
this winter the memory of the oldest inhabitant fails to 
recall. And 'through fire and hail, snow and vapor, and 
stormy wind' which, though they fulfill their providential 
designs, are manifestly incompatible with the very ex- 
tensive preaching of the Word, our well-tried missionary 
has plodded his way with an unfailing courage and un~ 
abating hope. He has faced the north wind, floundered 
in the snow-drifts, and dragged through the mud, and 
with the exception of three weeks of illness from his ex- 
posures, has been somewhere in the field throughout the 
year. In the fulfilment of his duties he has visited every 
county in the state." 

Rev. E. A. Stevens from Burma was present and made 
an address. The reports on Foreign and Home Mis- 
sions and the Publication Society, prepared by some of 
our ablest brethren, urged to a more liberal support of 
these societies. Contributions for all objects aggregated 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 77 

$14,045.55, of which State Missions received $1,561.56. 
Through all the years this seems to have been very near 
the general average proportionate giving between the 
State Convention and all other objects of benevolence. 

1857. The annual meeting was held with the First 
church, New London. Rev. Charles Willett was 
President. 

Report of the Board. 

Very appreciative and tender mention is made of the 
death of Rev. Harvey Miller, late pastor of the First 
church, Meriden, and also of the death of Rev. E. P. 
Fish of Haddam, and that of Rev. W. S. Smith of New- 
town, younger in the ministry and less known. For these 
and all other memorial tributes reference is made for 
greater convenience to the Necrology printed in the Ap- 
pendix. At this date the report on obituaries had not 
been made a part of the annual proceedings. 

For about half of the year the Secretary had served 
as agent for the Convention and as a missionary together 
with Brother Shailer, but had returned again to the pas- 
torate. Mr. Shailer's work had continued, and with the 
same large measure of success. Nine churches had been 
aided at an expense of $400. The report says: "A few 
of the smaller and feebler churches have recently 
come to a somewhat improved and more hopeful 
position. This is the case with the Wethersfield, Tariff- 
ville, Bloomfield and South Woodstock churches. The 
church at Hadlyme, under the ministrations of our blind 
brother, William Harris, has refitted and improved its 
house of worship and is strengthened and encouraged. 
No new fields have been entered by the Board, though 
there are a few points in different portions of the state 
where we hope ere long successfully to plant our stand- 
ard." With an expense of $1,207.25, a balance is re- 
ported of $505.73. 



78 HISTORY OF THE 

A special committee of seven, one from each associ- 
ation, was appointed to report next year on the destitute 
fields and the feeble churches in their respective associ- 
ations. 

Report on State Missions. 

This report, presented by Rev. E. P. Bond, says in 
part: "The present condition of our churches does not 
represent the full results of the evangelical labors per- 
formed either by the pastors and churches themselves, 
or by those who have been laboring more immediately 
under the patronage of the Convention. In the crowds 
that are emigrating to the West are found some of the 
most efficient and enterprising of our members. They are 
rendering good service where they are, but are lost to us. 
For some years past we have tried to secure additional 
missionary force, but have not succeeded. Perhaps if 
attention is paid to the lay members of our churches some 
may be found adapted to the work we propose. Let 
such brethren alone, or better in pairs, do the sort of 
work done by colporteurs, going from house to house in 
our scattered districts telling the story, praying with and 
for the people, finding out-stations which the nearest 
church and pastor may find a field of labor." 

1858. The thirty-fifth annual meeting was held with the 
Southington church. Rev. Frederick Denison was 
chosen President. The Secretary and the Treasurer 
remain as before. 

Report of the Board. 

The report begins with appreciative notice of the 
deaths of Rev. Lester Lewes, Rev. S. S. Mallory and Rev. 
Justus A. Vinton. For the first two we refer to the 
obituary record in the Appendix. Rev. Justus A. Vinton 
was not closely identified with the work of the Conven- 
tion, though he was one of the worthiest sons of Connecti- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 79 

cut. It is proper that what was said of him should find 
its place on these pages. 

In Memoriam Justus A. Vinton. 

"On the eve of this anniversary gathering intelligence 
reaches us of the death of this devoted laborer on the 
foreign field. Brother Vinton was a Connecticut man and 
confessedly an able, faithful and successful missionary of 
the cross. For twenty-four years he has devoted himself 
arduously, industriously, perseveringly, and with very 
large success to the work of evangelizing the Karens of 
Burma. Thousands of that interesting people have come 
to regard him as their father in the Lord, and his loss 
must be to them the occasion of deep sorrow. In the 
present juncture of missionary affairs the removal of such 
a man seems a very mysterious providence. Let us 'be 
still, and know that He is God.' " 

Mr. Vinton had two children, a daughter who married 
Rev. Mr. Luther, and a son, Brainerd, who married 
Miss Haswell. Mr. Brainerd Vinton had three children, 
a daughter who married Rev. Mr. Seagrave, a son, Her- 
bert, and a son, Samuel who married Miss Bunker. All 
of these are or have been missionaries in Burma. 

The Great Revival Year. 

"The past autumn and winter have been signalized by 
one of the most extraordinary financial revulsions ever 
known. All classes have felt the blow and staggered 
under the pressure of the times. Many of the churches 
have been weakened and crippled in their resources. 

"The march of mercy has followed closely upon the 
track of trouble. Never before has the salvation of God 
been so mightily revealed in our land. In this visitation 
of mercy our own state has largely shared." The reports 
of the churches for the succeeding year were 2,067 bap- 
tisms, the largest addition in all the years to the present 
time. The 2,000 mark had been reached once before, in 
1843, but has not been attained at any time since 1859. 



80 HISTORY OF THE 

Three new churches were constituted, one of them be- 
ing at Thompsonville in the town of Enfield. This was a 
relocation and revival of a former church called the En- 
field church. One was founded at Baltic, where a large 
manufacturing plant had been erected, and the third was 
started at West Hartford. The first two churches have 
since become extinct, the Baltic church because of the fail- 
ure of the mills, and the Thompsonville church very 
largely because of the then unforeseen substitution of 
foreigners in place of native working people. 

1859. The thirty-sixth annual meeting was held with the 
First Baptist church, Hartford, June 7-9. Rev. 
S. D. Phelps was President, with the same Secretary and 
Treasurer as before. 

Report of the Board. 

The Board had failed to secure the services of a second 
missionary, and Brother Shailer had continued alone on 
the field. He had sought for a release but could not be 
spared, "though it is true that the perplexities of his posi- 
tion, as well as its advantages to the Convention, cannot 
be properly estimated by those not familiar with the de- 
tails of the service performed." 

Nine churches had been aided by direct grants to the 
amount of $475. 

First Aid to the Germans. 

The work of ministering to our foreign-born, which 
was to grow to such large proportions, began this year. 
"The First church, New Haven, contributed $15 
to the German interest in that city, where Brother 
Otto has been laboring among his countrymen with evi- 
dent tokens of the divine blessing." 

A Promising Beginning. 

"The church in West Harford has completed a very 
pleasant, tasteful and convenient church edifice, which 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 81 

was opened for public worship in February. They have 
also settled a pastor and have increased from seventeen, 
the original number of members last year, to fifty-two. 
The church has asked for no pecuniary aid. They have 
paid $20 to state missions in addition to their gifts to 
other objects." 

After such a prosperous beginning, and in view of the 
constantly increasing population in that charming suburb 
of Hartford, it is hard to account for the straightened 
condition of this church in its later years. To such a field 
the question of Paul may well be applied, "Ye did run 
well, what hath hindered you?" If experience is of any 
value a careful inquiry into the history of that enterprise 
ought to result in avoiding the mistakes that must have 
been made, when new enterprises are planned for the 
future. 

The results of last year's remarkable work of grace 
were seen this year in the report of 2,076 baptisms. This 
was in the proportion of one conversion to every seven 
members. A similar proportion for 1907 would return 
4,300 baptisms, five times the number that was actually 
realized. 

The expenditures of the Board for the year were 
$1,307.70, and the balance in hand $311.18. The cus- 
tomary reports were read on the Bible Cause, State Mis- 
sions, Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Publication 
Society and the Education Society. This last held on this 
occasion its thirty-first annual meeting. These causes con- 
tinued to interest all the Baptists of the state and the 
meetings of the Convention formed the rallying center 
for all these activities. 



82 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter VI. 

1860-1869. 

1860. In beginning a new chapter we give the figures 
that represent the strength of the denomination. 
In 1850 the population of the state was 370,792, and the 
Baptists numbered 16,033 or one in twenty-three. They 
had been gradually gaining from one in 107 in 1790 to 
one in 23 in 1850. In 1860 the population had risen to 
460,147, the Baptists numbering 18,806, or only one 
in 25. This decrease of our relative strength has known 
no abatement from 1850 to 1907. Now, with a popula- 
tion of over a million, the Baptists number 27,109, a ratio 
of one in 39. This of course is entirely owing to the 
increasing immigration of foreigners. 

The Convention met this year with the Wooster Place 
church, New Haven, and Rev. P. G. Wightman was 
President. This church, of which Rev. W. C. Wilkinson 
was then pastor, had recently been organized. Subse- 
quently after the First church had sent out two other 
colonies, the Wooster Place church was again absorbed 
into the mother church and the old First occupied the site 
in Wooster Place. 

Report of the Board. 

Rev. N. E. Shailer had continued to serve "with his 
customary fidelity and acceptance." He had also found 
time for a very Christlike service "in collecting means 
among the friends of our departed brother, Rev. Lester 
Lewes, for the relief of his widow and children." 

Aid had been granted to eight churches, $425 in 
amount. The churches in Tariffville, Brooklyn and Bal- 
tic had made satisfactory progress. The Board says: 




* 




REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 83 

"In connection with the system of operations thus pur- 
sued your Board have endeavored to keep themselves 
advised of the condition of the different sections of the 
state and to hold themselves ready to occupy any new 
openings which God's providence may indicate. Yet ex- 
perience and observation have taught them the necessity 
of much, care in this respect." The amount expended 
this year had been $1,623.33, leaving a balance of 
$736.92. 



1861. The Convention met with the Central church, 
Norwich. Rev. Dwight Ives was elected Presi- 
dent, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, and Wareham Gris- 
wold, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

Rev. Jabez S. Swan had been engaged to labor as a 
missionary, together with Rev. N. E. Shailer. Very 
many must be still living who remember the stirring cam- 
paign that these devoted men conducted through the state, 
and how delightful was the harmony in which these two, 
with such different gifts, labored in the common cause. 
The church in Stirling had been resuscitated and Rev. 
Thomas Terry settled as pastor. In Meriden a new 
church had been organized, the West Meriden, with 
thirty-seven members mostly taken from the First church. 

An Earnest Appeal 

was made from the floor and resolutions adopted urging 
upon the churches that though the Civil War was in 
progress and there was a consequent drain upon their 
resources, they should not suffer the great missionary 
enterprises to languish. The total moneys passing, either 
in cash or vouchers, through the hands of the treasurer 
were $10,044, of which only $2,819 was spent within the 
state. 



84 HISTORY OF THE 

The Civil War 

was at this time fairly under way, though none could have 
foreseen the length and seventy of that war, or the ter- 
rible cost of suffering and death which it would entail. 
The first battle of Bull Run had not yet been fought, but 
the hosts were gathering and a war spirit was prevalent 
in all the North. Such a patriotic body of men as the 
Baptist ministers of Connecticut could not be silent on so 
momentous an occasion. Rev. E. H. Bond offered a 
series of resolutions which were unanimously passed, 
We record the last, which indicates not only our people's 
abhorrence of the rebellion, but the tenderness of their 
feelings toward their erring brethren of the South. 

"Resolved, That we are not conscious of any hostility 
towards our Christian brethren of the South, such as they 
have imputed to us, yet while cherishing none but the 
kindliest feelings towards them we deeply regret and 
earnestly protest against the unscriptural dogma of rebel- 
lion and disunion, to the control of which they have sur- 
rendered themselves." 

1862. The thirty-ninth annual meeting was held in 
Stamford, with the church of which the writer 
of this sketch was at that time the pastor. That was 
forty-live years ago. Looking over the list of officers 
and trustees both of the Convention and of the Education 
Society, forty-two different names in all, the writer is 
aware of only four who "remain to this day." Rev. J. 
P. Brown, that year the President of the Convention, 
Rev. C. B. Crane, D.D., Rev. R. J. Adams, D.D., and 
the writer himself. Some of the laymen named may have 
removed to other states and be still living. "The fath- 
ers, where are they; and the prophets, do they live for- 
ever?" 

The Report of the Board, 

after reference to the effects of the war, the pressure of 
anxiety, the fever of excitement, and the pecuniary losses 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 85 

incident upon the curtailment of business, goes on to say: 
"Among all this tumult of war the Prince of Peace has 
been achieving triumphs. In various quarters we have 
been visited with precious tokens of God's favor. 
Over one hundred souls have been converted through the 
labors of our two missionaries." A second appropriation 
was made to the German church in New Haven. "Per- 
haps never in the history of our operations," continues 
the report, "have the claims of the field been more press- 
ing than now. The embarrassments of the times bear 
heavily upon some of our smaller churches, and though 
quite possibly some of them make themselves poorer 
than need be by always thinking and talking poverty, 
still the necessities for aid are widespread and real." 

Two new churches were received : West Meriden and 
Sou th N o rwalk. 

Report on the State of the Country. 

Rev. J. A. Bailey presented a report with six resolu- 
tions, the first and fifth of which we place on record: 

"That as delegates of the Baptist churches we do here- 
by express and record our devout acknowledgments to 
Almighty God for the spontaneous and unanimous upris- 
ing of the loyal portion of this great nation to crush out 
this unprovoked and godless rebellion; for the cheerful 
sacrifice of property, service and life in defence of the 
Government; for the wisdom, honesty and prudence which 
manifestly guided the counsels of the President; for the 
signal successes that have attended our arms, giving 
promise of the reestablishment of the authority of the 
Government over the whole land." 

"That we are moved to express our gratitude to those 
of our citizens who jeopard their lives unto death, and to 
the sick and wounded of our army and navy, and the 
many bereaved families in our land." 



86 HISTORY OF THE 

1863. The fortieth annual meeting was held with the 
church in Willimantic, June 9 and 10. Rev. 
Charles S. Weaver was chosen President. There was no 
change in the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

Brethren Shailer and Swan had continued in the ser- 
vice of the state through the year. They had labored 
mostly in Windham county. In the Easton and Second 
Ashford churches about one hundred and twenty-five had 
been converted. "Some of the churches even in these 
troublous times, are making encouraging progress; others 
seem to be declining and decaying." The report assigns 
various causes : prominent members absent, serving in 
the army, diversities and collisions of opinion concerning 
public affairs, local dissensions, possibly in some cases 
business depression. The report truthfully adds : "As a 
general thing the business of our people was never more 
flourishing, and never was the outlay of labor and of 
capital more remunerative." 

Eleven churches had received aid to the amount of 
$385. The total disbursements had been $2,062.82, 
leaving a balance of $617.77. 

Report on State Missions. 

The report from the special committee was presented 
by Rev. J. A. Bailey, and after long and earnest debate 
in which ten of the ablest men on the floor took part, was 
adopted without any expressed opposition. Among other 
hindrances to progress, hindrances which are often refer- 
red to in similar reports because they are always oper- 
ative, being in a sense chronic, one hindrance is specified 
which was peculiar to that period, though the evil results 
of it have not wholly passed away from all our churches. 
The report thus designates this special hindrance : "a dis- 
loyal and unchristian relation on the part of some of our 
members to the Government in its hour of trial, and a 
refusal to sustain a true and holy relation to the moral 
questions of the day." 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 37 
Divergent Views on the Civil War. 

The writer of this sketch may lay himself open to 
criticism for calling attention to this matter at so late a 
date, when a second and even a third generation from 
those who participated in those stirring times is already 
upon the stage of life, and the very memory of the Civil 
War has almost passed away. But truth to history de- 
mands some explanation of that sharp divergence of view 
which then divided our churches, and created an acri- 
mony of spirit whose evil effects have not yet entirely died 
out in some of them. As we have seen, the great, the 
overwhelming majority of our pastors and laymen were 
on the side of the Government. This was mostly because 
they were altogether anti-slavery, and knew that the ob- 
ject of the South was the perpetuation of that institution, 
and that this was the motive of the proposed secession. 

There were, however, a few T of our pastors and a good 
many of our members who did not see things as their 
brethren did. They could not express their views in the 
meetings of the Convention, but they could and did in 
their own churches. It is true that they were conscien- 
tious — that they followed the light as they saw it, even as 
did our brethren at the South. How did their divergence 
come about? We find sufficient explanation in these two 
considerations : 

First, in the early struggle for religious freedom in 
our state, as elsewhere, while the Federalist party was 
the conservative party and held to the standing order, 
the Democratic party championed the cause of religious 
freedom. The Baptists as well as the Methodists and 
Episcopalians allied themselves with the Democrats. In 
the readjustment of parties many of our Baptist people 
remained loyal to their party. 

Secondly, during all the controversy which arose re- 
garding free soil, the Missouri compromise, and the 
restriction of slavery, it is a matter of history 
that the Democratic party took sides with the South. 
When the southern states, despairing of the United 



88 HISTORY OF THE 

States Government ever coming to their point of 
view, determined on secession, they expected, and 
had a right to expect, that the Democrats of the 
North would take no part in any forcible resist- 
ance. It is more than likely that the leaders gave pledges 
to that effect and that when the secret history of those 
times is disclosed this will be revealed. But if they did, 
those leaders soon found themselves unable to deliver 
the promised goods. The great mass of the people of 
the North, Democrats as well as Republicans, those who 
cared little or nothing about slavery as well as those who 
desired its overthrow, would not agree to the division of 
the nation, but stood for "the Union, now and forever, 
one and inseparable." 

However, it is no cause for wonder that a goodly num- 
ber of our people were not in sympathy with this Na- 
tionalist feeling. They stood aloof from the whole busi- 
ness. They charged it all upon the Abolitionists — all the 
horrors of war, and the sufferings of the people. Hence 
there was dissension in our churches. Not a few of our 
pastors had to leave their pulpits, some because they 
were for the Union, while a large portion of their people 
were not, and others, a few because they were in sym- 
pathy with the South, while the majority of their parish 
were for the Union. Those were strenuous and perilous 
times. All this is over. The rancour and the bitterness 
are past. The will of God has been done. Not merely 
are the people submissive to it, but the whole nation re- 
joices together in a united country and the destruction of 
slavery. The recalling of those times of bitterness is a 
task fraught with ungracious recollections, still a history 
of the churches of Connecticut could not be written and 
this chapter left out. 

1864. The forty-first annual meeting was held with the 
Essex church, June 7 and 8. George Lovis was 
President, Rev. E. Cushman, Secretary, and Wareham 
Griswold, Treasurer. Rev. William Dean, D.D., the 
returned missionary, waspresent and made an address. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION W 
Report of the Board. 

From this we learn that Brother Shailer had been laid 
aside for the greater part of the year by the illness of 
himself and of his family and also that Brother Swan 
had labored through the summer in Bristol at the charges 
of the church without visible results. Then when he was 
almost disheartened a gracious revival began. "For 
weeks the work continued to deepen and widen ; the house 
of God was thronged with eager hearers; sixty were 
added to the church by baptism. He was entirely over- 
taxed, and such a condition of exhaustion and disease 
supervened as quite to lay him aside from service." Little 
general missionary work therefore had been done this 
year. 

Eight churches had been aided at an expense of $300. 
These churches and others that were under the immediate 
oversight of the Board had made commendable progress. 
The German church in New Haven had "taken a more 
perfectly organized and consolidated form," and Rev. 
John Blenner had been ordained as pastor. 

Report on Home Missions. 

This was presented by Rev. P. S. Evans of Stamford. 
It finds mention here because it brought before the 
churches almost for the first time the new burdens of 
duties which had been providentially thrust upon the so- 
ciety by the results of the war — which was still to devas- 
tate the country for a year — namely, the care of the 
emancipated slaves, and the founding of Christian schools 
for their education. The report closes with the follow- 
ing resolution : 

"Resolved, That the $150,000 which the Home Mis- 
sion Society proposes to raise the coming year is none too 
much wherewith to accomplish the work which the Provi- 
dence of God has thrown upon our hands in the occu- 
pancy of the growing empire of the West, in the care 



90 HISTORY OF THE 

of the enfranchised slaves, so many of whom are Bap- 
tists, and in the preservation of Baptist churches in 
the pacificated and renovated southern states." 

The Jubilee Year of Foreign Missions. 

As this was the jubilee year of this notable Christian 
enterprise more than usual interest was shown in this 
object. This interest was intensified by the presence and 
moving address of Rev. Dr. Dean. It was estimated that 
one hundred thousand had been gathered through the 
labors of the missionaries of the American Baptist Mis- 
sionary Union since Judson had landed in Rangoon in 
1813. There were three hundred native churches and 
six hundred native preachers. Rev. C. B. Crane of the 
South church, Hartford, presented the report, which 
closed with the following resolutions : 

"Resolved, That we pledge our earnest efforts to the 
raising of the requisite $150,000 for the prosecution of 
the work to which the Missionary Union is pledged. 

"Resolved, That we recommend the churches which 
have not already contributed to the Jubilee Fund to de- 
vote the third Sunday in June to that object." 

Resolutions on the State of the Country. 

Before the next meeting of the Convention the war 
was destined to end and peace to be declared. Alas ! 
our noble President, the latest and most costly martyr, 
was destined to fall by the hand of the assassin. This 
year a series of four resolutions was offered by Rev. S. D. 
Phelps, D.D., of New Haven, for the last of which we 
find room: 

"Resolved, That we gratefully recognize the hand of 
God in the widespread revivals of religion preceding the 
war in which so many of our young men were prepared 
for the duties and dangers of soldier life; in the recent 
wonderful displays of grace in our camps and hospitals, 
reviving the hopes of believers and multiplying converts, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 91 

and in the outgushing benevolence of the Christian and 
loyal people to relieve the wants of our sick and wounded 
heroes and minister to the necessities of, and elevate to 
manhood, those whom God's providence has delivered 
from bondage." 

We are very glad to record here this admirable resolution 
and especially to call attention to the remarkable work 
done through the unprecedented benevolence of our 
people by the Red Cross Society, the Sanitary Commis- 
sion, the Christian Commission, and the Young Men's 
Christian Association. The writer regrets that he cannot 
give even an approximate estimate of the amount of 
money expended in these beneficences. It was a vast sum. 
Yet the money cost was but the least of the sacrifices. 
The real sacrifice was the personal service, the loving 
devotion both of those who in the homes of our land 
prepared the gifts, and of those who in camp and hospi- 
tals were the immediate almoners of their bounties. In 
all this the Baptists of our own state did their full share. 



1865. The forty-second annual meeting was held with 

the Danbury church. Rev. Samuel Graves was 

President, the Secretary and Treasurer remaining un- 



changed. 



Report of the Board. 



"The cloud of war which at our last session rested 
so heavily over our country has passed by. With marvel- 
ous suddenness and completeness its dark folds were 
broken and dispersed, parting asunder and flitting away 
with such rapidity that 'we were like them that dream.' 
We could scarcely credit our senses, so difficult was it to 
realize the transition. But God has wrought it. 
We come together to exchange our congratulations and to 
consult for the kingdom which stands steadfast and firm 
through all shocks and revolutions, a kingdom of 'right- 
eousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.' ' 



92 HISTORY OF THE 

Brother Shailer had been in the field through the year, 
and William Denison since November. The missionaries 
had labored mostly in Fairfield county, with the First 
Danbury, Easton, Stepney and Fairfield churches. These 
and other churches had received large accessions to their 
membership. The total number of baptisms was 698. 
Five churches had been aided, receiving in all $335. 

The Committee on State Work 

reported the following resolutions, which were adopted: 
"Resolved, That while we endeavor to cultivate the 
field we have hitherto occupied, a larger measure of 
attention and labor should be bestowed on prospecting 
and entering new fields. 

"Resolved, That we have unabated confidence in our 
present state missionaries, and recommend their con- 
tinuance, and also that the Board should seek able and 
judicious men, a part of whose time should be employed 
in exploring and occupying important points in the state." 
Such resolutions are frequent in the records of the 
Convention and are symptomatic of the deep and abiding 
conviction of the brethren that strategic points should be 
seized and occupied before it should be too late. But 
they failed of fruition partly because they were vague and 
unpractical. Able and judicious men are not easily se- 
cured for "part of their time," and such men only in 
temporary employ can not well occupy new fields. 

Report on the State of the Country. 

We find a report on this subject. It makes grateful 
mention of the leadings of Divine Providence in the pro- 
longed and fearful struggle through which the country 
has passed, and for its happy issue in peace. One of 
the resolutions which we record below also expresses 
gratitude to God for the wise leadership of the lamented 
President. But we confess our surprise that no reference 
is made to the manner of his death, which was a shock 
to the whole world. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 93 

"Resolved, That we gratefully acknowledge the divine 
favor in granting us through the trying ordeal of war 
a leader patriotic, devoted, upright and God-fearing, 
as was our late lamented President; and that we will 
continue to give our cheerful and hearty support to our 
present national government, and will earnestly pray 
that all who are in authority may be divinely guided in 
all their official actions." 

1866. The Convention met with the First church, Hart- 
ford, and organized with Rev. J. A. Bailey of 
Waterbury, President, and the same Secretary and Treas- 
urer as for several years past. 

Report of the Board. 

Brethren Shailer and Denison had continued in the 
service of the Board "steadily and industriously pursuing 
their calling in all parts of the state." Gratifying pro- 
gress had been made on many fields. At Stafford Rev. 
F. L. Batchelder had been called to begin a second pastor- 
ate, which was to continue for many years. At Mont- 
ville a new house of worship had been built. The Bloom- 
field church was engaged in remodeling its chapel at an 
outlay of $2,000 and would need help the coming year. 
In the years immediately following the war business had 
greatly improved, wages had increased, and the financial 
condition of the churches had grown better. The Board 
had distributed $375 in aid to seven churches. The 
treasurer had received from all sources $1,853. 

Report on Temperance. 

In the report on temperance we are quite surprised to 
note that at so late a date the sin of drunkenness was still 
prevalent among our members to some degree. The re- 
port, which apparently went unchallenged, contains this 
clause: "As the use of intoxicating drinks brings more 
cases of discipline into the church, and more wounds 



94 HISTORY OF THE 

upon the cause of Christ than any other one cause, we 
believe the hour has fully arrived when total abstinence 
should be made a condition of membership." 

Evidently many of our people had been trying the 
dangerous practice of a temperate indulgence in intem- 
perance. It is gratifying to know that the churches 
were determined to destroy this evil root and branch. 

Twenty Thousand Germans. 

The statement was made in connection with the estab- 
lishment of the New Haven German church that there 
were 20,000 Germans in the state. Yet only three years 
before had the first step been taken to reach that large 
class of foreigners who have proved such valuable citi- 
zens, and who in 1900 counted up 31,852 in our state. 
Had this matter earlier attracted the attention of the 
Board, or had more adequate measures been taken even 
as late as 1866, we should find enrolled now many more 
than the three German churches with their 433 members. 

At this session Rev. J. A. Bailey presented a historical 
sketch of the early history of the Baptists of the state, 
which finds place in the first chapter of this volume. 

1867. The forty-fourth annual meeting was held with 
the Mystic River church, June 11-13. Rev. C. 
B. Crane of the South church, Hartford, was President, 
Rev. E. Cushman and Wareham Griswold continuing as 
Secretary and Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

The two missionaries, Brethren Shailer and Denison, 
had continued in "labors abundant." The German church 
in New Haven had made advance in numbers and 
strength. It had settled as pastor Rev. H. L. Dietz 
and was preparing to build. 

The large mill in Tariffville had been destroyed by 
fire. As many of the Baptist members had been em- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 95 

ployed in the mills it was feared that the activities of 
the church would be suspended for a while. These mills, 
which were carpet factories, were not rebuilt in Tariff- 
ville, but were henceforth removed to Thompsonville. 
Six hundred dollars had been given in aid to seven 
churches, $325 of this sum to the German church in New 
Haven. 

A Working Missionary. 

The report of the Board tells us that the missionary, 
William Denison, had "emphatically been working with 
his own hands. He was largely occupied in superintend- 
ing the removal of the house of worship from Pleasant 
Valley to New Hartford. A considerable portion of the 
taking down and reconstructing of the edifice was done 
by himself." He did the same sort of service for the 
church in Winthrop. However unwise it may have been 
to divert the missionary from his proper work for so 
long a period of time, it shows his ready adaptability and 
the deep interest he felt in the churches under his care. 

The Statistical Secretary. 

This year was made the first report by the newly ap- 
pointed Statistical Secretary, Mr. William H. Potter of 
New Haven. Mr. Potter continued in this office for 
many years, and to his labors we are henceforth indebted 
for fuller and more accurate reports both as to the con- 
dition of the churches and their benevolences. 

First Work for the French. 

Rev. Dr. S. Graves, for several years pastor of the 
Central church, Norwich, presented a very strong and 
able report on the work of the Convention, which was 
vigorously discussed and unanimously adopted. He 
greatly deplored the utter inadequacy of the help con- 
tributed to the weaker churches and the failure to enter 



96 HISTORY OF THE 

the many inviting new fields. He also referred to the large 
immigration of the French Catholics from Canada to the 
eastern portion of the state. There were said to be al- 
ready 75,000 of these people, and little or no effort had 
been made to reach them with the open Bible and the 
pure Gospel. It was resolved to make a beginning as 
soon as a worker could be secured. 

Appreciation of Elder Shatter. 

"Resolved, That we deeply regret the necessity which 
has compelled our beloved brother and long-tried fellow- 
laborer, Rev. N. E. Shailer, after a service of twenty-five 
years, to resign his connection with the Convention as its 
missionary, and thus to sever a relation which is so full 
of pleasant memories to us, and so full of good fruits to 
the cause which he has so faithfully served. 

"We do but express the sentiment of our churches 
throughout the state, many of which, under God, are the 
monuments of our brother's faith and foresight and toil, 
when we tender to him in our own and in their behalf 
our warmest thanks for the fidelity he has shown and for 
the sacrifices he has made, and as we pledge our prayers 
and remembrances in the future we hope yet to avail 
ourselves of his wisdom and great experience for mis- 
sionary service." 

1868. The annual meeting was held with the First 
church, New Haven, June 9 and 10. Rev. A. C. 
Bronson was President, Rev. E. Cushman and Wareham 
Griswold still continuing in office as Secretary and Treas- 
urer. 

Report of the Board. 

The report characterizes this year as a year of revivals, 
but we find on reference to the table of statistics that 
judging from the baptisms reported the term would 
have been better applied to the preceding two years. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 97 

In 1866 1,394 baptisms were reported and 1,107 in 1867. 
In this year there were only 797 and in 1869 only 354. 

Brother Shailer had in a measure regained his health 
and was reappointed to serve with Brother Denison. An 
effort was made by the Board to appoint a man as gen- 
eral agent and superintendent of missions, and Rev. W. 
C. Walker was chosen to this office, but felt compelled to 
decline. 

The Board had distributed $700 in aid to seven 
churches. In addition to this $300 had been specially 
donated to the German church, New Haven. 

Forward Movement Urged. 

Rev. Dr. Ives in his report on Domestic (State) Mis- 
sions calls special attention to the necessity of planting 
churches in the large cities, "whither the native pop- 
ulation is flowing in strong and constantly increasing 
currents." He says: "There are at the present time the 
most promising fields in the state for missionary labor 
and church extension." In the same report is urged "the 
employment of but one general missionary, who shall 
have the oversight of the work in all the state, with such 
local and revival preachers as the exigencies of the cause 
may demand, and a 'larger discretion' than heretofore 
granted." 

In this year's minutes we find the first fruitage of the 
appointment of the Statistical Secretary in tabulated state- 
ments of the spiritual and financial condition of all the 
churches. From this time on we are able to indicate the 
money expended for the support of the churches, as 
well as for all objects of benevolence. 

The Treasurer reported receipts from all sources a* 
$2,772. He had been obliged to draw $1,000 from the 
reserved fund to meet expenses. 

1869. The forty-sixth anniversary was held with the 
Baptist church in Deep River, June 8. Rev. R. 
J. Adams of Wallingford was chosen President. 



98 HISTORY OF THE 

Report of the Board. 

Brother Shailer had continued in the service of the 
Board through the year. Brother Denison also had acted 
as missionary till January, when he assumed charge of 
the Winthrop church. Rev. H. L. Dietz of the New 
Haven German church had preached at Yalesville and 
Meriden and had baptized a considerable number of con- 
verts. The Board had given $400 to this church in view 
of its efforts to build a house of worship. Rev. Russell 
Jennings had bought a lot of ground for the church in 
Chester and was proposing to build a church edifice at 
a cost of $8,000. 

Arranging Date of Annual Meeting. 

At this meeting it was decided to change the date of 
holding the anniversary from June to October. The 
officers and trustees were to hold their positions till 
October, 1870. It was also proposed and decided that a 
special mass meeting should be held in October of this 
year. A committee of which Rev. S. Graves was chair- 
man, was appointed to arrange for such a meeting. 

The Secretary was authorized, if he found it practi- 
cable, to publish the minutes of the different associations 
in the same volume with the minutes of the Convention. 
This was done and continued until 1885. 

The Mass Meeting. 

The mass meeting provided for at the June session of 
the Convention was held in the First church, Hartford, 
commencing on the evening of Tuesday, October 26, and 
closing on Thursday evening. A part of the sessions 
were held in the South church. There was no record 
kept of the attendance at these meetings. It was, how- 
ever, a large, enthusiastic and fairly representative 
gathering of the Baptists of the state. Rev. R. J. Adams 
was chosen temporary chairman. The meeting fully 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 99 

organized by electing Hon. J. W. Manning as President, 
together with six Vice-Presidents and Rev. E. Cushman 
as Secretary. Its sessions were entirely occupied with the 
affairs of the Convention. Much time was given to prayer, 
and a devout spirit pervaded the meeting throughout. 

A committee of seven was appointed to receive sugges- 
tions from any member of the body as to modes and 
plans of conducting the work of the Convention. This 
committee presented its report through Rev. R. J. Adams 
at a later hour. It was long and covered many points. 
The acting clause was as follows : 

"Your committee would recommend that the Board of 
the Convention choose an Executive Committee of five, 
who shall have the supervision of Domestic Missions. 
Let this committee gain a personal knowledge of the field 
and learn the wants of the various localities. Let them 
enlist the cooperation of churches adjacent to destitute 
fields, who may in some cases take charge of the work 
in that locality and support a preacher or employ a col- 
porteur." 

This report was discussed at length and adopted with 
enthusiasm. No change, however, seems to have been 
effected in the policy of the Convention, except that the 
Executive Committee of five was formed and this is re- 
ported in the minutes of 1870. 

The final topic taken up for discussion was the work 
to be done among our foreign population. The discus- 
sion had respect mainly to labor among the Germans. 
It was felt that if possible the German church in New 
Haven must be relieved of the debt for its building, 
which was already completed but could not be occupied 
until paid for. It was recommended to the Board that 
they appropriate $1,000 for this purpose. The amount 
was voted by the Board, and a committee consisting of 
Brethren Turnbull, Dietz and Phelps was appointed to 
collect subscriptions to meet it. 

In the ten years just past there had been added to the 
churches by baptism 6,256. Contributions to the Con- 
vention had aggregated $19,677. 



100 HISTORY OF THE 



Chapter VII. 
1870-1879. 

1870. The forty-seventh annual meeting was held with 
the New Britain church, October 18. Rev. A. 
P. Buell was President, Rev. Joseph A. Bailey, Secre- 
tary, and Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. 

This year closed the twenty-four years' service of Rev. 
E. Cushman as Secretary. The report of the Board, 
read at this session, was the last to appear from his pen. 
The following resolution was passed: 

"Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be 
cordially tendered to Rev. E. Cushman for the entire 
fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of its 
Secretary for the last twenty-four years." 

No one who has not himself performed the duties of 
this office can appreciate the amount of labor involved in 
keeping the record of all the meetings of the Board 
and Convention, attending to the large correspondence, 
preparing the minutes for the press, and in the many 
incidental tasks that fall to such an office. All these duties 
Brother Cushman had performed with conscientious 
fidelity and marked ability. For it all he had received 
no pecuniary consideration beyond reimbursement for 
his actual cash outlays. His position enabled him to 
make the Christian Secretary, of which he was editor, 
a more desirable visitor to the homes of Baptists, and 
this may have incidentally increased his list of subscribers. 
But the personal value of the position to him was far 
more than offset by the value of his paper to the society 
as an organ, though an unpaid organ, of the State Con- 
vention. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 101 
Report of the Board. 

Brother N. E. Shailer had definitely closed his work 
as missionary in March of this year. His labors had 
been many and arduous, extending over a period of 
about thirty years. Too much praise cannot be bestowed 
upon this good man. He was peculiarly adapted for the 
work at that time demanded on the country field. Prob- 
ably no man in the service of the Board before or since 
ever endeared himself so much to the hearts of all our 
people. 

The Board had found itself unable to carry out all 
the suggestions made at the last annual meeting or at the 
mass meeting held in October. It had appropriated 
$1,000 toward payment of the debt on the German 
church of New Haven, but had been obliged to draw 
on the permanent fund for one-half of this amount, as 
only $500 had been paid on the special subscription. 
Seven other churches had received aid to the amount of 
$500. The invested fund had been reduced to $1,500 
and only the interest of this remainder was available. 

The Third church, Hartford, was received this year 
into the fellowship of the Convention. This church oc- 
cupied the present site of the Memorial church. It 
started with bright prospects but had a varied experience 
till it finally disbanded. The new church, the Memorial, 
was organized in 1884. 

Calvary Church, New Haven. 

The report tells us that "a branch church was recently 
started in New Haven, and a large new church edifice 
is nearing completion." In this statement we find the 
first mention of the Calvary church, which has filled so 
large a place in the history of Connecticut Baptists. 
This church had no infancy, but began its career in vigor- 
ous strength. Its large and well-appointed edifice was 
built and paid for before the church was organized. 
When formed it absorbed a part of the membership 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

of Dwight Street church, which had been in existence 
for a few years in that part of the city, but the majority 
of its members were dismissed directly from the First 
church. 

A branch of the Second Suffield church was started 
this year in Rainbow. This afterward grew to be an 
independent church, but it had not the grace of con- 
tinuance. 

1871. The forty-eighth annual meeting was held with 
the Norwalk church. Hon. James L. Howard 
was chosen President, Rev. J. A. Bailey, Secretary, and 
Wareham Griswold, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

An executive committee of the Board had been ap- 
pointed to have charge of Convention matters between 
the sessions of the Board. In May Rev. W. C. Walker 
had been appointed general missionary, while Brethren 
Shailer and Denison had also served especially in behalf 
of the New Hartford church. The debt of $2,210 on 
that church had been raised and paid, and the title to the 
property vested in the Trustees of the Convention. 

Twenty-one years after the matter had first been pro- 
posed and refused, the Board had determined to make 
a beginning in Fair Haven. Meanwhile conditions had 
greatly changed — the population was much larger, but 
so many other churches had been built that the oppor- 
tunity for the Baptists was less favorable. Brother 
Walker had labored with good success and gathered a 
church of seventy members, with a promising Bible- 
school, and a considerable amount had been subscribed 
for the building of a house of worship. 

In Hartford a new chapel had been built on Suffield 
Street, and a mission of the First church started. A 
few years afterward this was constituted an independent 
church, but it subsequently returned to the status of a 
mission. The project of starting the Asylum Avenue 



K. 




HON. JAMES L. HOWARD. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 103 

church had been considered. The sum of $1,225 had 
been given in aid to eight' churches. 

The Social Union. 

This year the Baptist Social Union was organized in 
New Haven, July 25, in response to a call issued by J. 
L. Howard, John M. Davis, Isaac Bromley and others. 
After organization the members repaired to the New 
Haven House, where they were joined by a number of 
pastors and other invited guests. The speakers of the 
evening were Rev. Doctors Lathrop, Turnbull and Crane, 
Brethren C. O. Spencer, J. B. Hoyt and others. 

The second meeting of the Union was held in con- 
nection with the Convention anniversary in Norwalk, 
October 18. From that day to this the meetings of the 
Laymen's Baptist Social Union have been a marked 
feature of the Baptist anniversaries. It would be dif- 
ficult to exaggerate the influence of this organization for 
good upon the work of the Convention. It has greatly 
stimulated the interest of laymen in state missions, pro- 
moted acquaintance among themselves, and so developed 
a consciousness of their united strength. We are sorry 
that the narrow limits of this sketch prevent us from 
giving an adequate account of the large part this Union 
has taken in advancing the interests of the Convention. 
It can be said with confidence that from this time on 
there was a marked enlargement of the work of the Con- 
vention. 

1872. The forty-ninth anniversary was held with the 
Waterbury church. Hon. James L. Howard 
was President, Rev. J. A. Bailey, Secretary, and Ware- 
ham Griswold, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

After only a brief retirement Brother Shailer had 
again been taken into the service of the Board, but a 



104 HISTORY OF THE 

severe fall in February had disabled him for further 
work. The Board had continued his salary. He had 
now been in the employ of the Board for thirty-one years. 
Brother Walker had served through the year, first in 
Fair Haven till the church was strong enough to call a 
pastor, and then he went to Plantsville, where a new 
interest was starting. 

Colporteur Work. 

The first instance of cooperation on the part of the 
American Baptist Publication Society in the work of the 
Convention occurred this year in the employment of 
Deacon H. G. Dean of Cornwall as a colporteur in 
Litchfield county. His labors in some instances had been 
greatly blessed, and they illustrate the demand for this 
special work in the state. The Board had spent $1,710 
in aid of eleven of the weaker churches. 

Several new church edifices had been built, the Wash- 
ington Avenue and the Asylum Avenue in Hartford, and 
churches in New Canaan, Brooklyn and Groton. Others 
were in process of building. 

The Women's Foreign Missionary Society. 

This year the minutes of the "Women's Baptist Mis- 
sionary Society of Connecticut" were given a place with 
the published proceedings of the Convention. The so- 
ciety had its origin in Fairfield county. A public meeting 
was held in connection with the Convention in Norwalk, 
and Mrs. O. W. Gates was appointed State Secretary. 
The growth of the society was phenomenal. In October, 
1872, there were thirty-nine auxiliary societies in the 
state. From this time on a meeting of this society 
has been held, and has constituted one of the features 
of the occasion at each anniversary of the Convention. 
It is not possible, however, to make a record of that 
society in this volume. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 105 
Rev. Russell Jennings' Gifts. 

In the report of the Board for this year, as also in that 
of last year and occasionally in succeeding years, atten- 
tion is called to the large gifts of Mr. Jennings. The 
writer feels constrained on his own initiative to make 
the following comments. For many years of his long 
life Brother Jennings was engaged in the manufacture 
of tools, especially wood-workers' bits, which his brother 
had patented. That brother dying in early manhood, 
Mr. Jennings had inherited the works and continued the 
business. Accumulating a large fortune, he was very gen- 
erous with his money, but he acted solely on his own im- 
pulse and did not trust to the judgment of the Board 
of the Convention. It can not be said that his gifts 
were always wisely bestowed. The total amount of his 
beneficence cannot be accurately stated, but in the aggre- 
gate it could not have been less than $100,000. 

Many of the securities which he gave to the churches 
that he favored depreciated greatly in value. Some of 
them became absolutely worthless. In other cases the 
large endowments operated to render the churches less 
self-helpful, and when these props fell they became dis- 
couraged and weak. Of course if this large sum had 
been left to the discretion of the Board mistakes might 
have been made in its administration, but it is not likely 
that these would have been so many. In a few cases 
only good results have followed his giving, but taken as 
a whole no other instance is known where so large 
benefactions have proved so ephemeral. Through many 
years Brother Jennings retained the affection and esteem 
of his brethren for his learning and his responsiveness 
to all appeals that touched him particularly. Though a 
dark cloud rested on him in his later years the judgment 
of charity should ascribe this to senility rather than to 
any radical defect of Christian character. 

This year the Litchfield Association dropped out of the 
Convention. The few churches left united with the Hart- 
ford Association. 



106 HISTORY OF THE 

The Jubilee Anniversary. 

1873. This session of the Convention, held in the new 
house of worship of the Calvary church, New 
Haven, was especially memorable, as it was the fiftieth 
anniversary. Hon. J. L. Howard was for the third time 
chosen President, and Wareham Griswold entered upon 
the twenty-third year of his service as Treasurer. The 
session became still more memorable by reason of its 
being the first year of the incumbency on the part of the 
Rev. Dr. Turnbull of the new office of Superintendent 
of Missions. Dr. Turnbull also served as Secretary 
and prepared the report of the Board. 

From the time of this appointment the work of the 
Convention took on new vitality and dignity. Dr. Turn- 
bull had long been the pastor of the First church, Hart- 
ford. He was known as a man of force and ability, and 
one whose judgment might be safely trusted. When it 
was known that such a man was in the field, and all over 
the field, and seeing all the conditions at first hand, pas- 
tors and laymen gave him their full confidence, and he 
could get from them anything he asked for. Prosperity 
had already set in. The appropriations to the churches, 
especially to those that seemed to have a future before 
them, were larger than ever, reaching a total of $3,625. 

Report of the Board. 

This was written by Dr. Turnbull and was very able 
in its review of the past and its bright outlook into the 
future. The report pays a tender and appreciative tribute 
to Rev. J. A. Bailey, who for three years had been Sec- 
retary, and had been chosen to the office of Superinten- 
dent of Missions.* 

Mention is made in the report of three localities in 
which Baptist churches should be planted, Danielsonville, 
Ansonia and East Bridgeport. That an effort for a sec- 
ond church in Bridgeport was not begun too soon is evi- 

* See Necrology in Appendix. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 107 

dent from the fact that Rev. C. W. Ray, a missionary 
of the Board, found 125 Baptists resident in that por- 
tion of the city, seventy-five of whom were members of 
churches outside of Bridgeport. 

The report covers eight pages of small type set solid 
and does not easily lend itself to abridgement. We 
venture a few short excerpts. "Some of the churches 
have been truly thoughtful and generous. Among others 
we are greatly indebted to the members of our Social 
Union for direct pecuniary aid in swelling the contribu- 
tions of the churches. Their generous bearing and sym- 
pathy have produced a good effect through the state, and 
if continued, as we doubt not it will be, must help to ele- 
vate the character and standing of the denomination." 
"We have on hand a large and pressing work which 
calls for the utmost unity and efficiency in action, and an 
amount of outlay in work of which few of us have form- 
ed an adequate conception. No spot therefore ought to 
be neglected, no church suffered to languish, and above 
all to die, while a united and vigorous effort must be 
made to plant the 'banner of ordinances' in every part 
of the state." "The immense accession of foreigners, 
instead of being a ground of discouragement, ought to 
furnish a powerful stimulant in this special emergency 
to an increase of effort in behalf of our beloved state." 

Out of 114 churches only 60 were present by dele- 
gates, and out of 19,490 members not more than 150 
were in attendance at this the fiftieth anniversary. Yet 
it was a very enthusiastic meeting and was the beginning 
of a new era in the history of state missions. Several im- 
portant papers, prepared at the request of the Board, 
were presented. One of these, by Rev. C. B. Crane, 
then pastor of the South church, Hartford, was a dis- 
cussion in a catholic spirit of controverted questions, as 
between the Baptists and other evangelical bodies. It 
is worthy of being republished in pamphlet form and kept 
in stock for distribution. It appeared in full in the min- 
utes. There were two reports on Sunday-school work 
by W. S. Bronson and Rev. E. H. Bronson. In addition 



108 HISTORY OF THE 

to these a monumental paper on early missionary move- 
ments in the state was presented by W. H. Potter. This 
is reproduced with considerable abridgement in the intro- 
ductory chapter of this volume. 

Sunday-school Work. 

It should be stated here that at last year's session a 
large committee on the work of the Sunday-schools, in- 
cluding two members from each association, had been 
appointed with W. S. Bronson as Chairman. At a meet- 
ing of this committee it had been resolved to secure a 
brother to labor in this particular field and Brother E. 
H. Bronson had been thus appointed, his salary being 
provided by the different schools. The first report was 
made to the Convention this year. It was received with 
hearty approval, and the Committee was encouraged to 
continue its work. 

1874. The fifty-first annual meeting was held with the 
church in Putnam. There was no change in the 
offices of Fi_;Ment, Secretary or Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

This report, prepared by Dr. Turnbull, occupies nine 
pages of the minutes and was full of wise suggestion and 
inspiring incidents. Speaking of the restricted sums given 
to the twenty-six churches which had received aid, the 
doctor says: "The resources of our churches are limited. 
Some are poorly trained and the rest have not attained 
anything like perfection in the matter of systematic bene- 
ficence. In all, too, we find some persons upon whose 
minds the idea of thoughtful, disinterested giving has 
not even dawned." 

Fair Haven had bought a lot and begun the erection 
of a building to cost $10,000. East Bridgeport had 
purchased a house of worship which, with repairs, would 
cost $14,000. Danielson and Ansonia were making 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 109 

rapid progress. The necessity of laying to heart the wise 
words which follow has not wholly lapsed with the pass- 
ing years: u The plan of a more generous outlay for a 
certain period of years, three or four or more, for newly- 
formed mission churches in important places has already 
proved our wisest policy and in the end will be found 
economical." 

Arrangements were made for the completion of the 
special Jubilee Fund of $20,000. 

Sunday-school Work. 

The entire evening of Tuesday was given to the con- 
sideration of the work in the Sunday-schools. The re- 
ports of the Secretary and the Treasurer of the special 
committee which had this matter in charge were read. 
Rev. W. C. Walker, who was employed in this work, 
gave an account of his labors, and speeches were made 
by several of the brethren. Over a thousand dollars had 
been received and expended by this committee in the 
prosecution of its special work. 

Three churches were received into fellowship : Daniel- 
son, Meriden German and East Bridgeport. 

1 875. The Convention met with the First church, Hart- 
ford, October 19. There was no change made 
in the offices of President, Secretary or Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

This report, like previous ones from Dr. Turnbull, 
occupying more than half of the space given to the min- 
utes of the proceedings, is full of vital interest. The 
following is taken from the body of the report without 
quotation marks : 

Thirty-three churches (named in the report) have 
been aided by missionary effort and money grants given 
ranging from $25 to $500, and in one case to $609. We 
gratefully acknowledge the handsome contributions of 



,110 HISTORY OF THE 

Rev. R. Jennings, Captain Morgan, J. B. Hoyt and 
others, as in past times, in making up the salary of 
the Secretary of the Convention and helping us in many 
ways. East and west we are united in the work as never 
before. So far as they can pledge the whole body by 
successive resolutions of approval and cheer, followed 
by a larger generosity and the most energetic work for 
the last three or four years, the representatives of the 
churches have pledged the entire denomination in the 
state, and all are expected, and we trust prepared, to con- 
tribute to its success. 

While it is an easy thing to constitute little churches 
and Sunday-schools, it is by no means easy to sustain 
them, and these may require for their permanent success 
years of generous giving and patient toil. Today we 
could organize a dozen such churches in places where 
we ought to have had them years ago, but we have not 
dared to do so for want of means. We have secured 
in the last eighteen months only half of the proposed 
Jubilee Fund of $20,000. The rest must come in due time. 

By vote of the Convention and with the entire assent 
of the appointed preacher, Rev. C. A. Hubbard, the 
annual sermon was given up and the evening session 
devoted to a thorough discussion of the report, which 
was endorsed in every item and particular. 

The State Sunday-school Committee 

reported through its Agent and Secretary, Rev. W. C. 
Walker. Advancement had been made. Last year there 
were 126 schools with 15,000 attendants; this year 136 
schools with 17,718 attendants. Still there were 52,565 
children of the state outside of any Bible-school. The 
money contributed for this branch of work was "$1,161, 
there remaining uncollected from the assessments levied 
on the associations $803. 

The Treasurer of the Convention reported that he 
had received for general purposes $5,723 and for the 
Jubilee Fund $7,938. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 111 

1876. The Convention met with the Second church, 
Suffield. Hon. J. L. Howard and Rev. Dr. 
Turnbull were again chosen to the offices of President 
and Secretary. The decease of Brother Wareham Gris- 
wold, for so many years the faithful Treasurer, made 
necessary the choice of a successor. The vacant place 
was filled by the election of Brother James Lockwood. 

Wareham Griswold. 

This devoted brother had fulfilled a remarkably long 
term of service as the Treasurer of the Convention — 
a term extending over a period of thirty-four years, or 
longer than a generation. The duties of this office he 
discharged with most conscientious fidelity and exactness, 
and with unfailing patience and urbanity. For it all he 
sought no recompense but the privilege of serving the 
cause that was so near his heart. He did more than 
was required of him. He supplied out of his own re- 
sources the money needed to carry on the work through 
the year between the annual meetings. The following 
resolution was passed by the Board: 

"Resolved, That we record our sense of great personal 
loss in the removal by death of one who by his virtues as a 
Christian gentleman ever held our sincerest love and re- 
spect; that we recognize the indebtedness of the Baptists 
of Connecticut to him for his thirty-four years of service 
as Treasurer of the Convention, and for the great 
sagacity, patience and fidelity, attended with frequent 
personal sacrifice, with which he discharged the duties 
of this important office." 

Rev. Elisha Cushman. 

This good brother, who had for twenty-five years 
filled the laborious office of Secretary, had also passed 
away within the year. It is hardly possible that the 
name of any other man will ever appear again so many 



112 HISTORY OF THE 

times on the calendar of the annual meetings of the Con- 
vention. The Board adopted the following minute: 

"Resolved, That we will ever hold in high appreciation 
his character as a pure and consistent Christian, an 
earnest and successful minister of the Gospel, and a 
genial and faithful friend; that we hold in grateful re- 
membrance his services as Secretary of the Convention 
during twenty-four years, and his valuable influence 
through the columns of the Christian Secretary in all of 
our denominational interests." 

There is no further record than the above even in 
the minutes of the Hartford Association of the lives of 
these eminently useful and beloved brethren. They 
were too well known and too highly esteemed to require 
eulogy. 

President Howard's Address. . 

At the opening of this session of the Convention, which 
proved to mark the last year of his service, Mr. Howard 
made an address, the first during his term of office. He 
showed that there had been a gratifying increase in the 
contributions of the churches and in the work accom- 
plished, especially since Dr. Turnbull's acceptance of the 
superintendency of missions. Among other good things 
he said: "While contributions do not show our real pros- 
perity, there is so intimate a connection between a man's 
heart and his money as to make it a strong indication of 
the piety of the churches. Their faith is shown by their 
works, so that notwithstanding the death of so many 
leading brethren, the severity of the times, and other 
embarrassments, we have no reason to be ashamed of 
our record, and the outlook for the future has its hope- 
ful aspect." As a confirmation of these words Mr. 
Howard was able to add: "We have yet greater reason 
to rejoice in the spiritual work and growth of our 
churches as shown in the addition of 1,388 by baptism. 
This was an increase of four hundred over any other 
year in this decade. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 113 

Report of the Board. 

This report, the last but one prepared by Dr. Turn- 
bull, and the very last presented in person, has in it a 
minor note of disappointment on account of the debt 
he was compelled to record. It was nevertheless full 
of hope and inspiration for the future. The churches 
under the care of the Board had made material gains. 
Ansonia was building and had increased its membership 
in church and school. Danielson had strong hopes of 
building soon. East Bridgeport had paid all its expenses; 
its pastor's wife, Mrs. Ray, had the largest Bible-class 
in the state. Wethersfield had commenced to build a 
new house of worship. Tariffville had already dedicated 
an inexpensive but beautiful chapel in place of the one 
destroyed by fire. Thirty-four churches in all had been 
aided. This was more than one-fourth of all the Bap- 
tist churches in the state. We quote one paragraph of 
this report: 

"There will be some failure of course. Old and 
feeble churches, and even a new one occasionally will die 
out in spite of all that we can do, but that has been 
the case from the very beginning, and in greater degree 
formerly than now. We must be cautious, indeed, and 
economical, discouraging all rash projects and all costly 
expenditures and all church debts, gathering the requisite 
experience as we go, and occasionally, as in ordinary life, 
by painful disappointment. But as incessant vigilance 
is the price of liberty, so here incessant giving and work- 
ing is the price of success." 

Sunday-school Work. 

The evening session of Tuesday was given to the re- 
port of the committee on Sunday-school work, of which 
W. S. Bronson was the chairman and Rev. W. C. 
Walker the field agent. There had been an increase of 
ten in the number of schools, and in that of scholars 
1,781. The Treasurer reported receipts $1,234.11, debt 
$393.28, unpaid apportionments $780.65. 



114 HISTORY OF THE 

At the Wednesday morning session Dr. Phelps, who 
had purchased the Christian Secretary on the decease of 
Mr. Cushman, asked the continued interest of the breth- 
ren in this paper, promising, we have no doubt, that it 
would still remain as it had been so many years, the 
faithful though unsubsidized agent of the Convention. 

It was with the Second church of Suffield, Rev. J. R. 
Stubbert, pastor, that the Convention had been meeting. 
The students of the Suffield Academy were attendants 
here, and gracious revivals, in which many students had 
been converted, had occurred. The following resolution 
was offered by Brother J. L. Denison : 

"Resolved, That we recognize the position which God 
has given this church as a revival church, and the im- 
portance of its influence on the denomination through our 
sons and daughters who as students attend the academy; 
therefore we earnestly ask for the church and the school 
a special place in the prayers of all our people." 



1877. The fifty-fourth annual meeting was held with 
the Central church, Norwich, Rev. J. Davies, 
pastor. It was a memorable meeting on account of the 
retirement from the presidency of Mr. Howard after 
six years of service, and also because it marked the close 
of the labors of Rev. Dr. Turnbull as Superintendent of 
Missions. He had prepared his last report, but was too 
ill to be present. President Howard read a note from 
him in which he said, "No words of mine can give an 
adequate idea of the importance I attach to our work 
in this state." Before the minutes of this meeting had 
gone through the press Dr. Turnbull had been called 
to his reward in Heaven. 

It will be seen that Hon. J. L. Howard had held the 
office of President through the years of Dr. TurnbulPs 
term of service. The two were the most intimate per- 
sonal friends. Their collaboration had made this period 
of six years the most successful that the Convention 
had hitherto passed. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 115 

At this meeting, as Mr. Howard declined reelection, 
Rev. A. G. Palmer, D.D., of Stonington was chosen 
President, Rev. Dr. Turnbuil (whose recovery was 
looked for), Superintendent of Missions, and James 
Lockwood, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

In this report, Dr. Turnbull's last message to the 
churches, there is much of special interest, but little of it 
can find space in this record. We give one valued extract 
from the general statement: 

"As in man soul and body, spirit and form, correspond 
in a marvelous way, all the thoughts and impulses of the 
one being reproduced in corresponding changes and move- 
ments of the other, so in religion spirit and form are 
really, and must be one. This exterior of expression or 
language therefore, like the hands of a watch, reveals 
the power and spirit within, and hence determines char- 
acter and destiny. k By thy words thou shalt be justified, 
and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.' 'Inasmuch 
as ye did it unto one of these, ye did it unto me.' 

"In this connection giving is the most important part 
of expression, especially giving to the Lord's poor, for 
this essentially is giving to the Lord himself. Giving in 
fact is worship, this being the real meaning of the word. 
No Christian man or church can live, except in a doleful, 
deathly way, who lives to himself. It is on this ground 
that we attach so much importance to church finances, 
especially to gifts of beneficence. Prayers and alms 
together go up for a memorial before God. This is the 
true touchstone of character, the unfailing index of pros- 
perity." 

Aid had been extended to twenty-five churches, from 
all of which there came a more or less encouraging re- 
port. Rev. Curtis Keeney had been doing the work of 
an evangelist, supported financially by Captain E. Mor- 
gan. The Washington Avenue church, Hartford, owing 
to dissensions among the members, was entering upon 



116 HISTORY OF THE 

a period of struggle and was burdened with a heavy 
debt. The Board did what seemed possible at the time 
for this church.* The church in Plantsville was nearly 
five thousand dollars in debt, but through the labors of 
its pastor, Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, generously seconded by 
Mr. J. Howard Plant, a member of another church, half 
of the debt had been raised. 

Changes in the State. 

The report tells us that the state had increased in 
population, but altogether through the immigration of 
foreigners, producing almost a revolution in the char- 
acter and distribution of the inhabitants. "Over one 
hundred towns, some of them the oldest in the state, 
have so declined that it is found almost impossible to 
sustain churches or even common schools. In all de- 
nominations many of the churches have died out. Large 
numbers of our own members can be found in villages 
where we have no churches, and unless we lay ourselves 
out by larger expenditures and patient work we shall 
suffer immense loss, the amount of which will appall us 
when perhaps it will be too late." 

Very earnest addresses were made on the report by 
Rev. Drs. Lathrop, Crane, Bronson, Rev. T. A. T. 
Hanna and others. 

Sunday-school Report. 

The entire evening was occupied by reports on the 
work of the Sunday-school Committee and its agent, Rev. 
W. C. Walker. Brother Walker had done an immense 
amount of labor. He had reached nearly every church 
in the state, giving to the 148 schools and churches more 
than two services each, on the average, during the year. 
He had traveled within this small state nearly seven 
thousand miles in the discharge of these duties. In the 

* This church continued to decline until the year of its reincorporation as the Me- 
morial Church, and the settlement of Rev. H. M. Thompson as its pastor in 1884. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 117 

number of schools and attendants there had been no 
increase. The Treasurer, Silas Chapman, Jr., reported 
$1,346 received. 

Robert Turnbiill, D.D. 

"It is our painful duty to announce the death on Tues- 
day, Nov. 20, 1877, of our beloved and honored Secre- 
tary, Dr. Turnbull. Born in Whiteburn, Scotland, in 
1799, educated in Glasgow University; instructed by 
Chalmers and Wilson, and in theology by Dick and 
Mitchell; preaching for a brief period as a Baptist min- 
ister in Scotland and England, he came to this country 
in 1833 and settled in Danbury, Connecticut. He labored 
in Danbury two years; in Detroit, Michigan, two years; 
in the South Baptist church, Hartford, two years; in 
Boylston Street, Boston, six years, and in the First Bap- 
tist church, Hartford, twenty-four years, from 1845 till 
1869. His ministry in all these churches was uniformly 
successful. A born evangelist, he was instrumental in 
the inauguration of frequent and powerful revivals of 
religion and in the conversion to Christ of a great multi- 
tude of sinners. A diligent and thorough student, his 
preaching was of the highest order, preeminently adapted 
to promote the growth of Christian believers in knowl- 
edge and grace. While not neglecting his pastoral duties, 
he found time to produce many books of great and per- 
manent value. The marked advance in intelligence of 
the Baptist ministry and laity of America is largely due 
to his example and influence. Thoroughly sound in 
doctrine, he always sought new and greater light. Con- 
serving the old, he welcomed the new. He was as in- 
genuous as a child, deferential even to his inferiors, full 
of brotherly love and charity, and singularly loyal in 
heart and life to the personal Christ. 

"In 1872 he was elected by the Board of our Con- 
vention to fill the office of Secretary, the former Secre- 
tary, Rev. J. A. Bailey, having been compelled to resign 
on account of failing health. How well he served the 



118 HISTORY OF THE 

churches in this capacity during the past years is known to 
us all. Never for an hour did he spare himself. The 
cause to which he consecrated himself was ever on his 
heart. He was the devoted and beloved bishop of us 
all. His plans were broad, his methods wise, his zeal 
unflagging, his sacrifices great. Now that his work is 
done, we can pronounce it well done. 

"When he was told that he must shortly die he found 
to his surprise and delight that he had no preparation 
to make. He was already prepared to meet his God. 
To live had been Christ, to die would be gain. Now 
that the heavens have received him, we have only to say 
in the words of the beloved disciple, 'Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith 
the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their 
works do follow them.' " — Rev. C. B. Crane. 

1878. The fifty-fifth annual meeting was held with the 
First Meriden church, October IS. Rev. Edward 
Lathrop was chosen President, Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, 
Secretary, and James Lockwood, Treasurer. Rev. Dr. 
Palmer made the opening address, referring to the early 
history of the Baptists in Connecticut, relating as only 
he could have done, many incidents that had come to his 
knowledge of the early struggles of the Baptists for 
existence. The Board had elected Brother Hanna to 
act as Secretary and Superintendent till the Convention 
should meet, and he presented the 

Report of the Board. 

This report mentions the death of Revs. William 
Biddle, William Denison, Samuel M. Wniting and Wil- 
liam D. Morgan. Rev. William Denison had served 
several years as missionary for the Convention, and must 
have attained a ripe old age. He had been a very useful 
man and enjoyed the confidence of his brethren. Rev. 
Samuel M. Whiting had spent his early ministry as a 
missionary in Burma for some years. He had been a 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 119 

pastor in Vermont, and later a very successful pastor to 
the young church in Fair Haven, where his memory is 
still held in grateful remembrance. His widow filled 
for many years most acceptably the position of State 
Secretary of the Women's Baptist Missionary Society. 

Brother Hanna had been engaged to give only a por- 
tion of his time to the work of the Board. Little had 
been attempted at direct missionary work, and no new 
enterprise had been started. After the death of Dr. 
Turnbull, the experienced and efficient Secretary, it had 
been deemed better to hasten slowly. The weak churches 
had been aided to sustain their pastors. The two 
churches in New Hartford and Canton had opened their 
chapels again, both served by Rev. R. H. Bolles. The 
Ansonia church was doing well under the care of Pastor 
A. H. Ball. Plantsville had been helped by a generous 
gift from J. B. Hoyt. The Board had finished the year 
without a debt. 

Bible-school Work. 

The sixth report of the special committee on this 
work was presented and showed the same indefatigable 
labors performed by the agent, Rev. W. C. Walker, 
with the same answering results. The treasurer had 
received $1,183.61, and reported $905 behind on appor- 
tionment. As this work was the next year merged again in 
the general work of the Convention we reserve further 
account of it till then. 

A long and earnest discussion on the future work of 
the Convention was participated in by the leading pastors 
and laymen. The loss of the services of the beloved 
"bishop" of the Baptist churches was deeply felt. The 
election of a Secretary who should serve also as Superin- 
tendent of Missions was finally left to the action of the 
Board. That body must have made choice of Brother 
Hanna at its first meeting after the adjournment of the 
Convention, for his name appears on the first page of 
the minutes. Treasurer Lockwood reported that he 



120 HISTORY OF THE 

had received from all sources $5,000 for general pur- 
poses and $118 for Church Building Fund. 

1879. The fifty-sixth annual meeting was held with the 
Second Danbury church, Dr. A. C. Hubbard, 
pastor, October 14. Rev. A. J. Sage was President, 
Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, Secretary, and James Lockwood, 
Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

The report tells us that twenty-five of the pastors of 
the state had volunteered to hold special services in 
eighteen of the smaller churches, and in most cases their 
labors had been crowned with success in the reviving of the 
churches and in the conversion of souls. Allusion was made 
in the report to the work for Sunday-schools which had 
been done for several years by the special committee. 
The Board had placed in the field for several weeks Rev. 
E. M. Jerome to do the same kind of work. It had been 
intended that the two brethren, Walker and Jerome, 
though acting independently and under different direction, 
should yet work in harmony. 

Eighteen churches had been aided to the amount of 
$1,825. Captain Morgan had done excellent service to 
four of the smaller churches, Pendleton Hill, Lake's 
Pond, Chesterfield and Salem, having encouraged them 
to build parsonages by making a liberal gift himself. The 
brethren of these churches had furnished much of the 
material and labor, and thus comfortable homes were 
provided for the pastors without very great outlay. This 
proved a great boon, for the payment of rent makes a 
large inroad on the small salary paid on such fields. 

Mention was made in the report of the work for 
Sunday-schools, and it was suggested that this should 
be prosecuted in the future under the direct management 
of the Board. The matter was freely discussed on the 
floor. The special committee on this work was not re- 
appointed. It seems proper to give at this point a resume 
of what had been accomplished in the last six years. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 121 
Resume of the Bible-school Work — i8j2-i8jg. 

At the meeting of the Convention in 1872 a special 
committee of twelve, two from each association, was ap- 
pointed to consider the expediency of organizing a special 
department of work for the Sunday-schools of the state. 
Of this committee Brother W. S. Bronson of Hartford 
was made chairman. The committee met soon after in 
New Haven and mapped out its plans. A special mis- 
sionary was to be employed, his salary to be paid by 
the Sunday-schools of the state. Mr. Edward H. Bron- 
son was chosen for this service. His illness had pre- 
vented him from devoting his entire time to the work, 
but he had given some months to it, and in 1873 the 
committee was able to report substantial progress. Thus 
the new enterprise was fairly launched. In 1874 the 
committee reported that its missionary had visited one- 
half of the schools in the state, being everywhere en- 
couraged and calling forth the confidence of both teach- 
ers and scholars. He had also with the help of the pas- 
tors held four Sunday-school Institutes with great profit 
to all in attendance. He had resigned, however, to enter 
a pastorate and the choice of a successor had fallen on 
Rev. W. C. Walker. In six weeks' service that year the 
latter had given full proof of his special fitness for such 
work. 

The story of this work grows in interest year by year. 
An extract from the report of Brother Walker's first 
full year of work will give an idea of what he accomp- 
plished in the five years of this kind of labor: 

"Our worker has given his whole time and energies 
to this kind of Christian service : ( 1 ) by communicating 
with all the Bible-schools of the state, giving required 
information as to work done, fields of labor, etc.; (2) 
by personal visitations, reaching every church in the 
state but one, and every mission-school but two, thirty 
different places twice and several others two to four 
times for special service, assisting in the reorganization 
of nine schools in connection with feeble churches that 



122 HISTORY OF THE 

had no schools a year ago, and organizing five new mis- 
sion-schools; (3) by supplying feeble churches on the 
Sabbath, and by attending Sunday-school conventions, 
institutes and associations to promote the general inter- 
ests of our work. Religious meetings attended, 371; 
miles traveled, 5,371; sermons and addresses, 283; let- 
ters written, 500. Some of the results of this work are 
seen in these figures: last year, 126 schools, 15,000 
scholars; this year, 138 schools, 17,738 scholars." 

Brother Walker continued this work with equal zeal 
and assiduity the years that followed. An average of 
about $1,200 was received each year for expenses, but 
there was an increasing indebtedness owing to the failure 
of some schools in meeting their moderate assessments. 
One can not read these reports without the conviction 
that very great good was accomplished by the happy 
combination of a committee of enthusiastic men of which 
Brother Bronson was the efficient head, with a worker 
on the field such as Brother Walker, who had peculiar 
and unusual qualifications for the task assigned him. It 
seems a pity that work so well begun did not continue 
longer. Had the financial support been larger and more 
reliable it might have lasted to this day. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 123 



Chapter VIII. 

1880-1889. 

1880. The Convention met with the First church, 
Bridgeport. Rev. A. J. Sage was President, 
Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, Secretary, and James Lockwood, 
Treasurer. President Sage in his opening address called 
attention to the variety of interests entertained during 
the sessions of the Convention. "Thus, in their social 
and religious aspects, our annual gatherings resemble 
the great feasts at Jerusalem, in which all the people 
meet to worship before the Lord and to consider the 
interests of His kingdom." These gatherings have lately 
been designated as the "Connecticut Baptist Anniver- 
saries." 

Report of the Board. 

In the report the condition of the aided churches was 
regarded as favorable. There had been granted to the 
churches $3,300, and spent for secretary and missionaries 
$1,540. Brother Walker had visited and labored in 
East Killingly, Stafford, Baltic, Tariffville, Pendleton 
Hill, Winsted, Ledyard, Thomaston and Cheshire. It 
is noticeable that the Board was not unmindful of Win- 
sted and Thomaston, though Winsted had to wait ten 
years for actual work. In Thomaston nothing looking 
to permanence has ever been done, and conditions are 
so fixed there now that probably nothing will ever be 
attempted by Baptists. We are told that Elder Swan 
"had spent nearly two months in Ledyard and endeav- 
ored to gather up the fragments there, but he found little 
encouragement." It is well that in spite of the "little 



124 HISTORY OF THE 

encouragement" Ledyard has not been abandoned 
through the more than twenty-five years since that time. 
It is from this field through the hands of a lady not 
herself a Baptist, and personally unknown to the mis- 
sionaries, that there has recently come to the Convention 
in the time of its sorest need the largest legacy ever yet 
left to that body. 

A Year of Legacies. 

The Eber Dunham legacy of $4,500, the interest to 
be spent in aid of Willington, Mansfield, Andover and 
Tolland, was paid into the treasury. There was also a 
legacy from Lucinda Newton of $1,250 for Cheshire, 
and one of $50 from James Perry of Columbia for the 
ordinary work of the Convention. 

Bible-school Work. 

The report of the Board says of the Bible-school work 
in the state: "Wherever the missionaries have gone they 
have made it a part of their work to visit the school in 
each place and to arouse the teachers to more zeal. 
Institutes have been held in various places. The schools 
have contributed more liberally the past year to this 
branch of our work." 

In the discussions on the floor this subject had a large 
place. Mr. W. S. Bronson offered a series of resolutions, 
of which the following was one : 

"Resolved, That the Executive Committee be so co% 
stituted that one section of the body shall have super- 
vision of the church work and another section of the 
Bible-school work, and that both sections shall constitute 
one committee for mutual consultation and cooperation." 

As there is no reference in the next year's report to 
these resolutions, we conclude that the Board did not 
regard them as practicable. There being now an avail- 
able fund for starting a new interest in Cheshire, the 
Board was recommended to take steps to this end. The 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 125 

church in that place was organized in 1893, thirteen 
years later. It numbers now (1907), after a fourteen 
years' existence, only thirty-six members. 

The Treasurer reported receipts from churches, 
schools and individuals, $3,690, from interest, $938. 



1881. The Convention met with the First New Lon- 
don church. The principal officers of last year 
were reelected. President Sage in his opening address 
made some very discriminating remarks on the principles 
and beliefs of Baptists. We gladly find place for them 
here as the most condensed and at the same time illumi- 
nating statement of the points involved that we have met 
in all our reading. 

Rev. A. J. Sage, D.D., on Baptist Beliefs. 

"We stand between the extremes, neither Armenian 
nor Calvinistic, having no formula that is either com- 
pulsory or even uniform, insisting only on the substance 
of the faith, using our articles for instruction rather 
than coercion. In respect of ordinances we reject sacra- 
mentarianism, all idea of baptismal regeneration, of 
value or efficiency in infant baptism, and on the other 
hand Quakerism and its allied teaching of indifference 
to form, using the ordinances as sacred types and mem- 
orials, and making the death and resurrection of Christ 
as expressed in the communion and baptism the foci of 
the ellipse in which revolve all the great Christian doc- 
trines. As to church organization, we reject all High 
church theories and hierarchism, with their attempts at 
universal organization, and on the other hand the loose- 
ness of the Plymouth idea discarding church order and 
the ordination of the ministry. The local church, inde- 
pendent and sovereign, under Christ and His word, is 
our simple form of organization, and the communion is 
not for a mass of Christians in a loose gathering but 
for the local church as a family." 



126 HISTORY OF THE 

Report of the Board. 

Much space in the report is properly taken up in 
describing conditions among the aided churches. Eighteen 
churches had been on the list and $2,709 had been dis- 
tributed among them. The Bible-school work had been 
committed to the Board. Dr. Stone had held a series of 
institutes which were very profitable. The report says: 
"This form of work has not been pushed forward, and 
we must say that the attitude of the Convention to special 
Bible-school work is too indefinite at present." Work 
had been done on new fields. A small group of Baptists 
had been found in New Milford and Rev. Mr. Pogson 
of Bridgeport had with the Secretary held a few meet- 
ings with them. Two had been baptized, but the princi- 
pal supporters had moved away and the effort had been 
given up. Meetings had been held in Manchester by 
various brethren for the greater part of the year. "We 
have good hope," says the report, "of a Baptist cause 
here, but cannot yet report very good progress." The 
Secretary had also met several times with some Baptist 
brethren in Winsted and says, "We must be ready to 
grasp the first opportunity for a more deliberate and 
settled work there." 

It is pleasant to read these evidences of the alertness 
and activity of the Secretary and the Board in seeking 
out the openings for a larger work. The regret is that 
in all this they were hindered by lack of sufficient means. 

First Work Among the French. 

This year witnessed the beginning of an effort to reach 
the French Canadians principally employed in the cot- 
ton mills in eastern Connecticut. The Board in con- 
junction with the Home Mission Society had employed 
Rev. Moise Charbonneau, a member of the Putnam 
church, to labor there and in that vicinity. The report 
says: "We believe it was an inspiration from God that 
led to this work. We should have a like work among 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 127 

the Germans." This work has continued to this day 
with alternate hope and discouragement, the latter owing 
mostly to the constant movement among this people. Per- 
haps if French churches had been planted, thus furnish- 
ing the converts a church home, this moving propensity 
might have been in a measure overcome. But as fast as 
these people have been converted they have joined the 
English-speaking churches in Putnam and Danielson. 
The French remaining in the Roman Catholic church 
have ostracised the Protestants, who having no oppor- 
tunity of comradeship in a homogeneous church home 
have not come to realize their strength. 

Bible-school Work. 

This matter came up again, this time for long and 
earnest debate. Rev. J. V. Garton of Meriden made a 
vigorous address, in which he recalled the excellent work 
done by Brother Walker. That brother had found 101 
schools, with 13,500 members, and at the close of his 
work had left 150 schools, with 19,600 scholars. Three 
years after we find 131 schools, with 18,150 members. 
A new committee was appointed with Pastor Garton as 
chairman to report a plan of action. He reported: "We 
recommend that the Board appoint two men, one of 
whom shall superintend the church missionary work and 
the other the Bible-school work of the state." This was 
adopted. 

Rev. J. R. Stubbert offered a further resolution, which 
was also adopted: 

"Resolved, That the Convention instruct the Board 
to employ a missionary for each association; that Brother 
Hanna have charge of the New Haven Association, and 
that he superintend the whole mission work of the state 
and retain the position of Secretary, for which he shall 
be fully compensated." 

In addition to these two rather conflicting resolutions 
a third one was offered by Rev. J. M. Taylor, which 
was also adopted : 



128 HISTORY OF THE 

"Resolved, That we request the Board to formulate a 
plan for presentation to the next Convention, which 
shall contemplate the carrying forward of our work by 
district missionaries, to whom shall be committed the 
care of both churches and Bible-schools. 

In the multitude of counsellors there is said to be 
safety, yet in the deliberations of such a body as the 
Convention there may possibly be a lack of unity in 
counsel, though that body has always been a unit in 
carrying out plans once decided upon. 

We note the presence at this meeting, we think for the 
first time, of Rev. J. L. Morehouse, the Secretary of the 
Home Mission Society. He was there to interest the 
brethren in the semi-centennial of that organization. 



1882. The Convention had the pleasure of meeting 
with the First Ansonia church, in the house of 
worship that had been built mainly from the contributions 
of the brethren and through the ministration of Dr. 
Turnbull. Brother W. S. Bronson was chosen President, 
and Brethren Hanna and Lockwood were reelected to 
their former positions. 

Report of the Board. 

The report shows that the Secretary was himself most 
a abundant in labor," and so had set a notable example 
to his fellow-laborers. Largely through his personal 
efforts the debt of the Meriden German church had been 
cancelled. He had done much directly for the Bible- 
school work, having visited twenty-seven schools, besides 
opening two new schools, and had received from the 
schools $700 for Convention expenses. In appeals for 
aid he had presented the cause to twenty-six churches. 
He had attended 400 meetings, preached 200 times, sent 
out 1,200 letters, made 740 visits, traveled 6,740 miles, 
written 40 articles for the Christian Secretary, and lived 
to tell it. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 129 

The report speaks of two new churches, Rockville and 
Shelton. The former was clearly a case of resurrection 
from among the dead. Under the leadership of Pastor 
L. S. Brown of Tolland the Baptists of Rockville had 
come together, secured a hall, organized a school, and 
held special meetings, and the church which had given 
up thirty years before was resuscitated. It can be added 
that though they have had to struggle through many 
disappointments they never again grew weary of well- 
doing, though they have sometimes been tired in well- 
doing, and by the blessing of God they have grown into 
a strong, self-sustaining and helpful church. 

The work in Shelton had begun de novo. The pastor 
of the Ansonia church had visited, preached, started 
prayer meetings and a Bible-school, and turned the work 
over to Missionary Naylor. That church, too, through 
many vicissitudes, part of which might and should have 
been avoided, has continued to this day. The Danielson 
church, as well as the Grand Avenue, New Haven, had 
reached the point of self-support. The Webster Street 
(colored) in New Haven had secured a new chapel on 
West Chapel Street and had taken the name of the 
Emmanuel Baptist church. 

From the doings of the Convention we gather a few 
items. The three district missionaries who had worked 
with the secretary, Walker, Martin and Naylor, told 
the story of their labors. The body approved of this 
plan of work and urged that other such laborers be em- 
ployed, as the churches should furnish the means. 

Three new churches were received: Shelton, Rockville 
and Baltic. The first two have been spoken of. The 
Baltic church, like the Rockville, was not "brand new." 
It had had an existence for several years and had been 
aided by the Convention. Its house of worship had 
burned down several years before and there had been 
no preaching for six years. Rev. O. C. Sargent had 
looked the people up and had found forty-nine members 
and sixteen other Baptists. There was an insurance of 
$1,200, and they had been induced to arise and build. 



130 HISTORY OF THE 

Baptist Ministers' Conference. 

This year the Ministers' Conference was organized in 
Ansonia. The first motive that led to its formation was 
the creation of a fund for the care of disabled ministers 
and of the families of those who had deceased. Deacon 
O. B. Grant of Stonington and Captain E. Morgan of 
Groton had each offered a thousand dollars to form such 
a fund. It was agreed to call the ministers of the state 
together for consultation. Rev. A. Pollard, D.D., of 
Boston, was present to explain the operations of a simi- 
lar society in Massachusetts. 

All were found favorable to the project. It was 
decided to enlarge the scope of the society to "promote 
the union and usefulness of its members." Essays on 
interesting subjects were to be prepared and discussed. 
These meetings, held on the Monday preceding the meet- 
ings of the Convention, came to form one of the most 
attractive features of the Baptist anniversaries. A 
blessed ministry of helpfulness flowed to the aged and in- 
firm ministers, and to the "widow and fatherless." Subse- 
quently, however, this ministry was passed over to the 
Ministers' Home Society, though the Ministers' Confer- 
ence is still in close touch with the work. It has its 
representatives in the Home's Board of Control and the 
agent of the society makes his appeal in person at the 
meetings of the Conference. The churches of the state 
take an annual offering for its treasury. 

1883. The sixtieth annual meeting was held with the 
Calvary church, New Haven, October 16. W. 
S. Bronson was the President, Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, 
Secretary, and James Lockwood, Treasurer. 

Six missionaries including the Secretary had been em- 
ployed during the year : Revs. Walker, Naylor, Bickford, 
Charbonneau, Clafford and Hanna. The work of this 
large force of missionaries is detailed at some length. 
Brother Walker had labored mostly in the Ashford As- 
sociation. He had spent some time in Westford, "a new 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 131 

field without any religious organization." A church was 
afterwards formed in this place. Brother Naylor had 
given most of his time to Shelton, where the work had 
prospered and a building was in process of erection. He 
had also done the work of an evangelist in nine churches. 
Brother Charbonneau had prosecuted the work among 
the French, and forty-five had been converted, of whom 
twelve had been baptized. 

First Work for the Swedes. 

The initiation of this work, a work that has proved 
more satisfactory and permanent than any other the 
Convention has engaged in, was by the Home Mission 
Society. The report says: "About the middle of this 
year the society proposed to us to unite with them in 
supporting a missionary to the Swedes. We gladly con- 
sented. The young man chosen for the work is Mr. 
Thorson Clafford, a native of Sweden." This man 
began his work in New Britain. The Women's Home 
Mission Society of New Haven engaged to pay our half 
of his support. It was an auspicious opening to a most 
happy enterprise. 

Brother Hanna had been as indefatigable in his labors 
as ever. He had been laid aside by sickness for three 
months, yet besides his duties as Secretary and General 
Superintendent he had visited forty-six churches, either 
in evangelistic service or to press the claims of the Con- 
vention on churches and individual givers. 

The Crescent Beach Enterprise. 

Brother J. L. Denison of Hartford, acting for a com- 
mittee appointed last year, reported that the state Bible- 
school Union had been formed and had held its first 
meeting at Crescent Beach, which was proposed as the 
central rallying place for all general meetings. The 
report continues : "It may not be the province of your 
committee to make any recommendations to a body so 



132 HISTORY OF THE 

competent to make and execute its own plans, yet we 
may be allowed to suggest that in an interest so import- 
ant and in which so much is involved, it may be a worthy 
thing for this Convention to appoint a committee who 
shall confer with this band of our workers, and that it 
may further show its state fellowship and bond of union 
by appointing one of the number of state missionaries 
to operate specially with the various Bible-school asso- 
ciations in holding institutes and such other meetings as 
may be mutually profitable in Christian work." 

The matter was referred to a committee of which 
Rev. P. A. Nordell was chairman. In the report of this 
committee the project was warmly commended and urged 
upon the favorable consideration of the brethren. No 
further action seems to have been taken by the Conven- 
tion at this or, so far as discovered by the writer, at any 
subsequent time. An organic union had not been asked 
for. The enterprise was left in the hands of its pro- 
moters. These brethren entered upon the work enthusi- 
astically and prosecuted it to a large measure of success 
for several years. A real estate company was formed, a 
large plot of land purchased, a very commodious and 
sightly tabernacle was erected, and many attractive cot- 
tages were built by Baptist families. Each summer a 
series of meetings was arranged for, gatherings of Bible- 
schools were held, courses of able lectures were pro- 
vided, women's missionary societies held conferences. 
Crescent Beach became a popular summer resort, and 
there seemed to be a sure prospect of the permanent 
establishment of a first-class Baptist Chautauqua in Con- 
necticut. 

That at last interest waned and the bright prospect 
failed of fulfillment is known to all. Various reasons 
which do not concern us now might be assigned for this. 
The principal one is that which has brought disaster upon 
other auspicious Baptist interests, the want of cohesion 
and solidarity in our denomination. It is the fault of 
our virtues, the inherent weakness in our strength. Our 
church independence too often develops or degenerates 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 133 

into self-absorption, isolation, aloofness. The churches 
of a city, county, or state are disjunct a membra — not 
enough kk one body in Christ. " Against this disintegrating 
tendency our wise leaders are constantly making effort. 
The unifying of the churches of the state is the under- 
lying, primary purpose of our State Convention: its work 
will not be done till this is accomplished. In the instance 
we are considering we certainly missed a splendid oppor- 
tunity. 

The Statistical Secretary, Elizur Cook, had prepared 
and presented to the body an elaborate table of statistics, 
both vital and financial, of all the churches of the state 
down to that time. He was requested to print them in a 
separate pamphlet for general distribution.* 

There had been paid in aid to churches $1,682, and in 
salaries and expenses $3,705. Contributions received 
were $5,322. 

1884. The sixty-first anniversary was held with the 
First church, Norwich. Mr. W. S. Bronson was 
reelected President and Mr. James Lockwood, Treasurer. 
Mr. Elizur Cook was elected Secretary and Statistical 
Secretary. The choice of Superintendent of Missions 
was referred to the Board with power. 

The Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, who had succeeded Dr. 
Turnbull and had served for six years, this year severed 
his connection with the Convention. His last report, 
presented this year, showed, as all previous ones had 
done, his unflagging industry and unselfish devotion. No 
man could possibly exceed him in zeal and conscientious- 
ness. Nor can any man know without a personal ex- 
perience the difficulties of the task devolving on a superin- 
tendent of missions. It has its blessed compensations, as 
has any sphere of Christian activity well filled. Among 
these is the kind appreciation and loving overvaluation, 
by the best of his brethren, of his attempts to serve. An- 
other is that he is sure to escape the condemnation pro- 

* We have not found such a pamphlet in the archives. All these statistics v/ill be 
found brought down to 1907 in the Appendix to this volume. 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

nounced by the Master upon the man of whom all men 
speak well. The more faithful and the more capable 
he is, the less is his exposure to this peril. 

Report of the Board. 

The Shelton church had prospered and the new chapel 
had been built. A special appeal had been sent to the 
churches and Bible-schools, and $2,500 had been col- 
lected without difficulty for this object. Missionaries 
Walker, Bickford and Naylor had labored in different 
sections of the state. Mr. Clafford had continued to 
prosecute the work among the Swedes, and Brother 
Charbonneau among the French. Brother Sylvester 
Kronmaier had ministered to the Germans in Seymour, 
Union City and other places. In this new appointment, 
as well as in other work for foreigners, the Home Mis- 
sion Society had borne an even part with the Convention. 
Moreover, the Convention's share of these salaries had 
been assumed by the Women's Home Mission Society of 
Connecticut. 

The Memorial church, Hartford, was organized this 
year. This was in fact a reorganization of the former 
Washington Avenue church. How it was established and 
set on its prosperous career is a story to be told later. 
Appropriations had been made to twenty-nine churches, 
aggregating $4,042, of which $2,500 was for the Shelton 
chapel. 

Cooperative Evangelism. 

In reading the records of the Convention it is interest- 
ing to note the intense longing always manifested for 
general revivals. Three men had been on the field en- 
gaged especially in this the King's most urgent business, 
but the brethren were not satisfied. Pastors were ready 
to spend and be spent in service on other fields besides 
their own. Suggestions and plans were brought out at 
nearly every session of the Convention. This year on 
the initiative of Dr. Herr a committee of one from each 
association was appointed to formulate a plan by which 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 135 

the pastors might cooperate in promoting revivals. Rev. 
Dr. Stone was to serve as secretary of the movement, to 
manage the correspondence between churches desiring 
such service and pastors willing to render it. He received 
the names of twenty-seven such pastors, from whom the 
"teams of workers" should be made up. Others willing 
to participate were to report to the Secretary. 

Not a single reference is made to this movement in 
the next year's minutes. Something no doubt was done, 
but as a general movement the plan was inoperative. The 
pastors have always been more than ready to lend a 
hand to neighboring pastors for special work. They are 
never indifferent to the "Macedonian cry" when it is in 
their power to respond. But concerted and continuous 
and simultaneous action for the promotion of revivals 
according to formal plans, involving the separation of 
the pastor from his own field, are always difficult and 
often barren of commensurate results. 

On the motion of Dr. Herr the following minute was 
adopted: 

"Whereas, T. A. T. Hanna has filled the office of 
Superintendent of Missions for the past six years, we 
deem it a pleasure and privilege to place on record our 
confidence in the faithfulness, Christian character, and 
manly integrity of our beloved brother." 

1885. The sixty-second annual meeting was held with 
the First Hartford church, Rev. Lester L. Pot- 
ter, pastor. W. S. Bronson was President, Elizur Cook, 
Secretary, and James Lockwood, Treasurer. 

Report of the Board. 

"The work has been carried on without the services 
of any regularly employed secretary as in former years. 
We have depended on the gratuitous services 
of the officers and other friends to secure the necessary 
funds. The President, Secretary and Treasurer have 
taken upon themselves the greater share of the burden. 
Of these most efficient services the Board desires to make 



136 HISTORY OF THE 

special mention. . . The contributions will compare 
favorably with those of other years. . . We are able 
to present to you a report full of encouragement and 
hopefulness. . . The special work of the year has 
been the effort to raise $1,500 to assist the Rockville 
church in finishing their chapel." 

Rev. T. Clafford had worked among the Swedes in 
eleven districts. His work had been bright in the autumn 
and winter, when the services were well attended, but 
gloomy in the summer, "when people preferred outside 
amusement to listening to the Gospel." He had preached 
225 times and baptized ten converts. In Brother Kron- 
maier's field there were two thousand Germans in Water- 
bury, and two hundred families in Seymour. His con- 
gregations were good in both places. The work for the 
French had been given up for the present, owing to the 
difficulty of securing an efficient worker. 

Twenty-two churches had been aided. The receipts 
were $5,344, and the expenditures, $4,686. Rev. W. C. 
Walker had been laid aside by severe illness. 

1886. The sixty-third annual meeting was held with the 
Waterbury church. Hon. Francis Wayland was 
chosen President, Rev. P. S. Evans, Secretary, and Wil- 
liam F. Walker, Treasurer. Mr. W. S. Bronson, the 
former President, kept the chair till the choice of his 
successor. During Mr. Bronson's six years of service 
he was heart and soul in the work of the Convention, and 
gave more time and personal attention to it than any of 
his predecessors had been able to give. He was particu- 
larly interested in the welfare of the Bible-schools, and 
lost no opportunity to press his convictions on his breth- 
ren. More was done in this direction through the years 
of his administration than at any time before or since. 

Report of the Board. 

The report was read by the Secretary, Brother Elizur 
Cook. Like his previous efforts this one shows the hand 
of a practical business man. It covers the ground 




HCN. FRANCIS WAYLAND, LL.D. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 137 

thoroughly with only as many words as are needed, and is 
Jess exhortative than the reports of the preacher-secre- 
taries are apt to be. Twenty-two churches had been 
aided. Of them the report says: "Some of these have a 
small membership, while others have such numbers as 
would seem to preclude the necessity of calling upon the 
Convention for aid." 

The Board through its committee had assisted the 
Shelton church in removing its chapel to a more favorable 
location, assuming an obligation in the sum of $1,500 for 
the purchase of a new lot. It had loaned $1,000 to the 
New Hartford church for the building of a parsonage, 
the church to pay the interest of six per cent. The Con- 
vention held the title to the ground.* That body had 
also encouraged the Rockville church to believe that it 
would give $1,500 for the completion of their new 
chapel and $400 of this sum had already been paid. 

Of the missionaries the report said that Rev. T. Oaf- 
ford had relinquished his work, which had been so fruit- 
ful of good among the Swedes, that he might return to 
Sweden for the further prosecution of his studies. Rev. 
S. Kronmaier, German missionary in the Naugatuck Val- 
ley, had also closed his labors and no successor had yet 
been found. The French mission had been resumed 
under the ministry of Rev. S. H. Etienne. 

Of the German work the report says: "There are 
now three prosperous German churches, New Haven, 
Meriden and New Britain. A fourth is on the point of 
being started in Bridgeport under the labors of Rev. 
William Ritzman. 

Kindly Words to the Retiring President. 

Rev. Dr. Palmer at the request of the nominating com- 
mittee made an address to the retiring President, which 
fittingly represented the feelings of the entire body. 

"Mr. President: — The committee on nomination has 
confided to me the very pleasant task of conveying to you 

* The obligation was afterwards released to the church. 



138 HISTORY OF THE 

and your fellow-workers their assurance of personal 
regard, and also their high appreciation of the fidelity 
by which your administration has been distinguished. 
Pending the discussion, elicited by the report of your 
positive wish to be retired from the exhausting cares and 
labors of executive responsibility, we felt a quickened 
sense of the value of your services in this department. 
We remember with what enthusiasm, courage, intelligent 
zeal and generous aims you entered upon your official 
work, and if you have not fully realized your expecta- 
tions in such improved methods of action as you saw 
to be needed, and in such enlarged fruitfulness as the 
whitened fields seemed to promise, yet we assure you 
that in the judgment of the committee the failure has not 
been from the want of wise counsel and untiring industry 
on your part, but from the scantiness of the resources put 
at your disposal, or perhaps because your estimates of 
the work exceeded the practical possibilities of the times. 
I assure you, my brother, that you have the united and 
heartfelt testimony of the entire Convention, that in the 
administration of its affairs, through your entire official 
term, you have done wisely and well." 

Tribute to a Trusty Treasurer. 

As Mr. Lockwood declined another year of office, the 
Convention heartily adopted the following minute: 

"Resolved, That in the voluntary retirement of Mr. 
James Lockwood from the office of Treasurer, which he 
has filled for twelve years, we desire to place on perman- 
ent record our high and grateful recognition of the ability 
and self-denying fidelity with which he has discharged the 
duties of his office. Assuming office at a critical time in 
the affairs of the Convention, he has by his wise and ex- 
perienced management of its investments placed them in 
a sound financial condition, and has in all respects ad- 
ministered the trusts reposed in him to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the churches of the Convention. We tender him 
an expression of our sincere thanks, and a wish for his 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 139 

continued happiness and usefulness in the service of our 
common Lord." 

The Treasurer stated in this his last report that all 
that was transferred to him upon his entrance into office- 
was the deed to the farm in Illinois, carried as an asset 
at $12,295.76. Since then eight bequests had been re- 
ceived into the treasury amounting to $19,737.48, which 
sum had been increased to $20,383.99, a gain of $646.5 1. 

The President chosen this year, Hon. Francis Way- 
land, held the office for ten years, and the Secretary, 
Rev. Philip S. Evans, served for sixteen years, during 
eight of which he also acted as Superintendent of Mis- 
sions. 

1887. The sixty- fourth annual meeting was held with 
the New Britain church, Rev. I. F. Stidham, 
Ph.D., pastor. The President, Secretary and Treasurer 
were reelected. 

Report of the Board. 

The report deals first with the appointment of a Super- 
intendent of Missions. At the first meeting of the Board 
this matter had been presented and a committee formed 
to canvas the subject and find the man adapted to the 
work. Their choice unanimously fell upon Rev. C. A. 
Piddock, at that time pastor of the Middletown church. 
Mr. Piddock had entered upon his labors January 1. He 
had proved himself wise in counsel, indefatigable in 
working. He had visited all the aided churches and 
made himself acquainted with their condition. He had 
stimulated the benevolence of the churches, not so much 
by direct appeal as by the knowledge that some one to 
be trusted was on the field. 

The Board had formed a committee to frame a set of 
by-laws and to suggest needed alterations in the constitu- 
tion. The report of this committee was submitted to the 
Convention. The by-laws were adopted this year and 
notice was given of the proposed changes in the consti- 
tution. 



140 HISTORY OF THE 

State of the Aided Churches. 

The report of the Board, supplemented by that of the 
Superintendent of Missions, enters very fully into the 
condition of these churches. Only a few of the most im- 
portant items are given here. The church in Rockville 
had fairly left the wilderness behind and entered into 
the Promised Land. A note not bearing interest had 
been given to the Convention covering the contributions 
for the building of the chapel and intended to secure the 
Convention in case of the sale of the property at any 
future time. 

The Fitchville Church. 

The superintendent had succeeded in organizing a 
church in Fitchville with the liberal aid of the owners of 
the large mills in that place. "It occupies a very com- 
fortable chapel and enjoys an income from an invested 
fund which together with what can be raised on the field 
will render the church independent of aid from the Con- 
vention."* 

The Smaller American Churches. 

Of these the report says: "In the case of one-half of 
these, they occupy substantially missionary ground. 
Should their light go out whole districts would be left in 
darkness. Our duty to these can never be in doubt. 
Where there are two or more churches struggling for a 
precarious life in the same community it is evident that 
one or more of such churches should be suffered to die. 
But it may and will be a serious question, which is *o 
consent to die that the rest may live. This can only be 
decided when the representatives of the other denomi- 
nations will join with us in determining this question in 

* We are able to add that this promise has been fulfilled. It is largely owing to the 
fidelity of Rev. R. E. Turner, pastor of the Lebanon church, who for sixteen years has 
held the joint pastorate of these two churches. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 141 

the light of our mutual interest in the greater kingdom 
of our Lord." 

Work for the Foreign-born. 

"Your Board is deeply impressed with the conviction 
that the subject of work among the foreign-born is of 
increasing magnitude and requires very careful and 
patient investigation. We cannot turn away from those 
providentially sent to us. Foreign missions can now be 
prosecuted at home and by men from among these people 
themselves, men who do not need to spend four or five 
of the best years of their life to learn a language in 
which to preach the Gospel sent to all nations." 

Rev. W. C. Walker. 

This beloved brother and faithful worker had died 
within the year. The following minute had been pre- 
pared by Rev. G. M. Stone, D.D. : 

"The death of Rev. W. C. Walker took place in 
Andover, October 28. Thus there is removed from the 
state, and from the church on earth, one of the most 
efficient servants of the Convention, and one of the most 
honored ministers of Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of 
certain of his associates in service as messengers of the 
churches and the glory of Christ. Brother Walker had 
definite aspirations for such high distinction as these 
words imply. He was a constant and indefatigable 
worker, and was permitted to see in many instances the 
tokens of divine favor. His services in the interests of 
our Bible-schools will not be forgotten. He was a 
patriot in the noblest import of that term, and served 
well in the crisis of the nation's need. His pastoral work 
in New Britain and other fields is warmly cherished by 
those who shared its results. Your committee feels it 
eminently fitting that this record should be made of him 
in the archives of the Convention." 



142 HISTORY OF THE 

Two Notable Ordinations. 

The report of the Board called attention to two of the 
ordinations which had taken place. One of these was 
that of E. W. Potter, the son of Deacon Giles Potter of 
New Haven, so widely known in the state and so loyal to 
the Convention. Brother Potter has done good service 
in Rockville and other places for several years. The 
other was that of W. G. Fennell. He was in a true sense 
a child of the Convention, converted in the hill town of 
Cornwall through the instrumentality of a missionary of 
the Convention and educated in Suffield, being helped 
through his higher courses by the Education Society. He 
served successfully in Middletown and Meriden. After 
an absence of a few years in Newark, N. }., he has now 
(1908) returned to this state to serve the Asylum Avenue 
church in Hartford. 

Doings of the Convention. 

The reports of the Board and of the Superintendent of 
Missions were fully discussed and the suggestions made 
therein approved. Stirring addresses were given by a 
number of the brethren. Representatives of the various 
interests were heard from. On motion of Brother James 
L. Howard it was voted that the Board of Trustees at 
their first meeting divide themselves into three classes, to 
serve respectively one, two and three years. This was 
provided for in the new constitution and was carried out 
in the Board. 

From the report of the treasurer we learn that twenty- 
five churches had been aided, receiving, with the mis- 
sionaries on the field, $3,673.55. Then there had been 
paid to the Rockville church $1,100, the balance of the 
appropriation for the building of its chapel. The 
receipts from churches and other sources were $3,826.33, 
and the liabilities, $1,237.05. 

1888. The sixty-fifth annual meeting was held with the 
South church, Hartford, Rev. Kittridge Wheeler, 
pastor. Words of kindly welcome were spoken by the 
pastor and responded to by the president. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 143 

Words of President Wayland. 

"In addition to what you will hear from the report 
of the Board, it may be well to add a few words by way, 
not of condemnation, but of friendly criticism. This 
last year, in spite of the earnest appeal that we made to 
the Convention, the amount of contributions from the 
churches has not increased but diminished and the debt 
remains unpaid. Why should not the pastors present 
this cause once a year, and early in the year, to the 
churches over which they preside? If this duty is not at- 
tended to we must see our cause suffer, the small churches 
fail to receive the support pledged to them, and our work 
in behalf of the rapidly increasing number of foreigners 
languish. Let us do what belongs to the liberality of our 
denomination and the seriousness with which we hold the 
views we profess." 

Report of the Board. 

Rev. C. A. Piddock at his own request had been re- 
lieved of a part of his duties on February 1, and of all 
his duties on May 1, a step made necessary by his assum- 
ing the ownership and editorship of the Christian Secre- 
tary. During his six months of service he had presented 
the cause of the Convention in twenty-six churches and 
conducted revival services in six other churches. 

Tribute to Rev. C. A. Piddock. 

The writer may be allowed to insert here a personal 
tribute to our brother and fellow-worker in the service 
of the Convention. He is moved to take this liberty 
because it was on the very day when he was writing this 
portion of these records that he heard of this brother's 
decease. Mr. Piddock was Superintendent of Missions 
through two terms of service. He entered upon his 
first term January 1, 1886, and resigned May 1, 1888, 
serving only eighteen months. In October, 1897, there 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

being a vacancy in the office, the Board, mindful of his 
former efficient service, reappointed him. The second 
time he served for six years. The writer held the office 
of Secretary through all the years of Brother Piddock's 
labors as superintendent and of course was brought into 
constant and intimate relations with him through volumi- 
nous correspondence and frequent personal interviews. 
Though not always agreeing with him in his judgment 
of measures to be used, the writer generally found that 
Brother Piddock's views prevailed in the councils of 
the Board. He had the full confidence of the brethren in 
his business management. Our relations were always 
most cordial. He was courteous in manner, a great- 
reader and a ready conversationalist, and a more wel- 
come visitor never entered our home. We shall record 
much of his labors in the years that follow. 

The report gives a detailed account of all the mission 
fields. The mission to the Germans was prospering. A 
lot had been bought for the church in Bridgeport (after- 
wards exchanged for a better site), and $1,000 had been 
paid on it, the title being vested in the Convention. A 
very encouraging advance had been made in the Swedish 
churches of New Haven, New Britain, Bridgeport, 
Meriden and Hartford. To the appointment by the 
Home Mission Society of Rev. Mr. Lindh as superinten- 
dent of the work for Swedes in New England we were 
especially indebted, particularly for his selection of men 
as pastors. 

The Memorial Church, Hartford. 

The most notable work of the year, that to which we 
can look back with the greatest satisfaction, was the se f - 
ting of this church firmly on its feet. We feel justified 
in telling the story here with some fullness. The church 
had been organized for some little time and was wor- 
shiping in the chapel formerly owned by the then ex- 
tinct Washington Avenue church. The building had been 
sold on foreclosure and bought in by Captain E. Mor- 
gan. He was asking no rent, but the church felt insecure 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 145 

in its tenancy. There had been talk of a sale, and at 
the October meeting of the Executive Committee Mr. 
Morgan agreed to sell the property to the Convention 
for $8,000 in cash, he reserving a claim for $1,000 more, 
no evidence of indebtedness to be given, and he not to ask 
for it from the church till all other debts had been paid. 
It was never asked for. At the same meeting Mr. James 
Lockwood, formerly Treasurer of the Convention, 
offered $1,000 toward the payment. Mr. W. F. Walker, 
Rev. C. A. Piddock and Mr. James Lockwood were ap- 
pointed agents of the Convention to receive the property 
and execute a mortgage for $7,000. The transfer was 
made and the property stands in the name of the Con- 
vention. The last business act of Mr. Lockw r ood was 
the signing of a check for the $1,000. 

The arrangement made with the church was that tht 
Convention should pay the interest of the mortgage, and 
all the payments the church should make were to go to 
the reduction of the principal. New 7 life w T as put into 
the church. Before the meeting of the Convention they 
had already reduced the mortgage by $1,000. Rev. H. 
M. Thompson was called to the pastorate and abides 
with the people yet: after twenty-one years of service. 
The mortgage has long since been cancelled, the Con- 
vention paying the last $1,000. The beloved pastor has 
obtained a good degree, being advanced to the doctorate 
and to the presidency of the Convention. The church 
has greatly enlarged and beautified its sanctuary, and for 
this a new r debt has been incurred, but such a church will 
find no trouble in cancelling it. In 1888 the membership 
was 141, in 1907 it was 346. 

The Board expended in aid to churches and in sup- 
port of missions $2,997. The receipts apart from in- 
vested funds were $3,561. 

Mr. James Lockwood. 

The tribute to the late Treasurer of the Convention, 
here taken from the report of the committee on 
obituaries, was written by Rev. T. A. T. Hanna. 



146 HISTORY OF THE 

"The passing away to the Better Land of our friend 
and brother, Mr. James Lockwood, is a providence that 
may well occupy the solemn thought of all who knew 
him. I knew him chiefly in his official service as Treas- 
urer of the Convention. The amount of patient, plod- 
ding, faithful work he did during his long term of ser- 
vice, the precious time he took from his own pressing 
business cares to give to this cause were proofs of his 
sincere love to it. He was a buckler to the Convention 
in many ways, one of which was that he would never con- 
sent to let the treasury borrow money. When he did 
make an exception it was when he loaned the money him- 
self. 

"We ministers who are talkers by profession have 
much to learn from men who cannot talk, but who labor 
faithfully, act wisely and believe simply. Such a man 
Mr. Lockwood was. He himself furnished an instance 
of the wisdom of supporting the weaker churches, for 
the returns they make to us of men. His early life was 
passed in Wethersfield, which has had for many years 
a struggling but faithful Baptist church." 

1889. The annual meeting was held with the Putnam 
church, Rev. J. R. Stubbert, pastor. The former 
principal officers were elected. The first place in the 

Report of the Board 

is given to the beginning of the work in Winsted. As 
this marks a conspicuous advance in the work of the 
Convention, or rather a return to the policy followed 
during the administration of Rev. Dr. Turnbull, the 
policy of opening new interests in large towns where 
there was no Baptist church, we give space to the full 
report made by the Board on this matter. 

The Winsted Church. 

"A committee consisting of Hon. J. L. Howard, Rev. 
C. A. Piddock and P. S. Evans, Secretary and Super- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 147 

intendent, had been appointed last year to consider the 
expediency of buying a lot and building a chapel in Win- 
sted. Mr. M. N. Griswold of Winsted offered $1,000 
toward the purchase of such a lot. He was added to 
this committee. A lot was purchased at the price of 
$1,600. The committee further executed a bond for the 
purchase of an adjacent lot and a house thereon at such 
a time as it might be on the market, at a stipulated price. 
The chapel is in the process of erection; it is expected 
to be finished in November. No services have yet been 
held in account of the difficulty of securing a suitable 
place and the unwillingness to hazard a doubtful experi- 
ment. . . To provide for the payment of the lot and 
the building of the chapel, the Treasurer was authorized 
to appropriate the full amount of the Lucinda Newton 
bequest, and as much as should be needed of the proceeds 
of the sale of the farm in Illinois. 1 ' 

Missions Among the Germans. 

The Bridgeport German church, Rev. William Ritz- 
man, pastor, had by and with the consent of the special 
committee exchanged their lot for another in a better 
location and had begun the erection of a chapel and 
parsonage. Mr. Ritzman had collected within the state 
$3,108.92, of which the churches and friends in Bridge- 
port had given $1,270.83. Other German churches in 
Waterbury, New Britain and Meriden were advancing. 

Swedish Churches. 

The work among the Swedes in Bridgeport, New 
Haven, New Britain and Hartford was prospering 
beyond our most sanguine expectation. Yet this very 
advance would for some years impose a still larger bur- 
den of obligation upon the Convention. There has been 
a rapid spread of Baptist principles in Sweden. There 
are 497 Baptist churches there and well established edu- 
cational institutions. There are Baptist members and 



148 HISTORY OF THE 

ministers among the immigrants. After the honorable 
part the Missionary Union has taken in promoting 
this work in Sweden we Baptists of Connecticut cannot 
turn our backs upon these struggling brethren at our own 
doors. 

The Closing of the Tolland Church. 

The difficulties that often confront the Board in its 
relation to the feeble churches are illustrated in the 
case of the Tolland church. "Wherever the Baptist 
church is the only one in the field there never can be a 
question of giving it up. There are three churches in 
Tolland: Congregational and Methodist, besides our 
own. The Baptist church, once strong, has become weak 
through removal and death. They are in possession 
of an attractive chapel with more conveniences than are 
found in most of our churches. There is also a small 
company of intelligent and devout believers, who would 
form a very efficient working force in any community that 
would furnish a field for their activity. The Board 
hesitates to appropriate what would be needed to sustain 
the church on this field, when there are so many destitute 
fields and promising openings for new fields." Painful as 
was the act, the Board has since that year followed out 
this suggestion. The Tolland church has ceased to exist. 
The proceeds of the sale of the property have been 
covered into the treasury to be spent elsewhere. This 
incident is of value, as it shows that the Convention is 
not actuated by any narrow sectarian spirit. 

A New Enterprise that Failed. 

The business of the Convention was suspended for 
two hours on Tuesday afternoon that the brethren might 
attend the laying of the corner-stone of a chapel for the 
Calvary Baptist church (colored) in Putnam. The 
chapel was afterwards built and a fair degree of pros- 
perity was enjoyed for a few years. But its history was 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 149 

brief, owing partly to the small number of colored people 
living in the vicinity, but mostly to the not infrequent 
difficulty of organizing the northern and me southern 
colored people into harmony. The title to the property 
was wisely vested in the Convention and the proceeds 
of the sale of the chapel have been spent on other colored 
churches. 

Joseph B. Hoyt of Stamford. 

Among the obituary notices read at this session ap- 
pears that of Mr. Hoyt. Mr. Joseph B. Hoyt died in 
Stamford, December 27, 1888, at the age of seventy-five 
years. He joined the Baptist church in that place at 
an early age. He was for some years a member of the 
Tabernacle church in New York City, where his busi- 
ness interests centered. Thirty years ago he returned to 
his native town and at once identified himself with the 
church of which he had been a member. Largely 
through his influence the two Baptist churches then exist- 
ing, which were both of them weak and not on the most 
friendly terms, were brought together into one strong 
body. The writer of this notice was the first pastor of 
the reunited church. The large church edifice, which still 
stands, was built almost altogether at Mr. Hoyt's 
expense. His gifts to the church were large during his 
life, and at his death he left the church an endowment 
of $30,000 besides a parsonage. He was a liberal giver 
to the Convention and to the Education Society and to 
the Suffield Academy; also to the Home and Foreign 
Missionary Societies and to the Rochester Theological 
Seminary, a professorship in which still bears his name. 
He was a conspicuous example of a consecrated business 
man, and withal as modest and unassuming and friendly 
and devout as the humblest member of the church. He 
was as one of the "little ones" of the flock. 

Twenty-six churches and missions had been aided at an 
outlay of $2,674. The receipts from churches, etc., were 
$4,157. The farm in Illinois, which for several years 



150 HISTORY OF THE 

had been carried as an asset at $13,295.67, had been 
sold for $7,000. A portion of this had been spent in 
Winsted, and the remainder was destined to be used in 
planting the church in Torringtoh. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 151 



Chapter IX. 

i8()0-i8gg. 

1890. The sixty-seventh annual meeting was held with 
the Middletown church, Rev. W. G. Fennell, pas- 
tor. The President, Secretary and Treasurer were re- 
elected to office. In welcoming the Convention, Pastor 
Fennell said that the church was ninety-five years old as 
a Baptist church. At the time of its organization church 
and pastor had come bodily out of the Congregational 
fold. President Wayland said: "It is thirty-three years 
since the Middletown church has welcomed the Conven- 
tion, but that body has gone on in its blessed work of 
planting new churches, aiding feeble societies, widening 
and deepening with ever increasing force the influence 
of those doctrines which, derived from the New Testa- 
ment alone and transmitted to us from godly ancestors 
on both sides of the Atlantic, are destined at last to cover 
the whole earth." 

Report of the Board. 

The report as usual covered the whole field of the 
operations of the Convention. Of the Memorial church, 
Hartford, the report says: "It is an aggressive, wide- 
awake church. The house has been improved at a con- 
siderable cost, which has all been paid. They have 
raised in all $1,945." The Immanuel church in Bridge- 
port had been started and the prospects were hopeful. 
It was occupying a chapel that had been built for a Union 
Bible-school and arrangements were being made to put 
the enterprise into the hands of the Baptists. 

The Colored Churches. 

Four of these churches were receiving aid from the 
the Board. Of these the report says: "We recognize 



152 HISTORY OF THE 

the difficulties of this work. These people are flocking 
into our northern cities. They do not feel at home in 
our churches. In some cases they are not made welcome. 
Our churches were generous to them while they remained 
in the South. Can we afford to be less so, now that they 
are our neighbors and fellow-citizens? They bear our 
name; we needs must share their reproach, if reproach 
rests upon them because of their ill-developed Christian 
and church life. Thanks to what we have done for 
them, there are already educated and refined men and 
women among them fitted to be their spiritual guides and 
leaders. Your Board thinks the time has fully come 
when strenuous efforts should be made to put these col- 
ored churches on a proper footing, and we earnestly 
recommend this matter to your consideration." 

The Wins ted Church. 

The chapel had been completed and furnished at a 
cost to the Convention, not including the thousand dol- 
lars from Mr. Griswold, of $5,400 for land and building. 
The cost of heating, lighting and furnishing had been 
met by subscriptions collected by Mr. Griswold from 
Baptists and others in Winsted. The church was con- 
stituted June 21 with thirty-two members. A Bible-school 
and a Missionary Society had been started, five had been 
baptized and others were soon to join. The Superinten- 
dent of Missions was supplying the pulpit and they were 
raising ten dollars a week for current expenses. The 
congregations filled the house at almost all the services. 

The Bridgeport German Church. 

The new church edifice had been completed. Every 
step taken had had the full endorsement of the com- 
mittee of the Convention, though the house had cost 
more than was originally intended. The total amount of 
money received up to October 1 had been $7,729.96. The 
debt remaining was $3,700 on mortgage and $225 on 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 153 

floating debt. The property was a valuable one and it 
was vested in the Convention. All who had given might 
count themselves the richer for their beneficence. 

Work Among the Swedes. 

"The work among these people bears a very hopeful 
aspect. Perhaps more easily than any other foreigners 
they will become incorporated into our American 
churches. For a generation, however, the Gospel must 
be preached to them in their native tongue. To do this 
they must be provided with chapels. The Meriden 
church is building one at a cost of $7,000. Your Board 
has pledged $1,000 on condition that no debt be beyond 
a $2,000 mortgage and that the property be deeded to 
the Convention. What is being done in Meriden is 
needed in New Haven, New Britain and Hartford." 



The Fi 



fiances 



A gratifying advance had been made this year of 
$1,336 above the contributions of the churches the 
previous year. The schools had made an Easter offering 
of $623, the net returns for Easter programs sent out 
by the Superintendent. In addition to this the Baptists 
of the state had given to the Bridgeport German church 
for their chapel $2,252, making a total of $6,455 for 
state work. The report further says: "The latest rally- 
ing cry is one cent a day for missions from every mem- 
ber. That would mean for Connecticut Baptists $73,000. 
Your Board would gladly divide this sum with the great 
missionary enterprises, allowing $20,000 to Foreign 
Missions, $20,000 to Home Missions and $3,000 to the 
Publication Society, reserving only $20,000 to them- 
selves. This would still leave $10,000 to Ministerial 
Education." 

Twenty-eight churches and missions had been aided, re- 
ceiving $2,907. 

Many excellent addresses were made by the brethren 
on different aspects of the work. The pastors of some 
of the aided churches and missions were also heard. 



154 HISTORY OF THE 

The Bible-schools. 

Rev. J. B. Gow of East Bridgeport, made an able 
and illuminating address on the importance of the work 
of the Bible-schools. The address is too long for a 
place here and too closely connected to bear dissection, 
a process which in a paper so full of vitality would be 
like vivisection. A few epigrammatical sentences must 
content us. U A large measure of Biblical knowledge is 
absolutely necessary for the reception of even the 'pure 
milk' of the gospel and still more for the 'strong meat.' 
To fulfill the injunction that we 'cease to speak of the 
first principles of the Gospel of Christ and go on to per- 
fection' implies that the first principles shall have been 
mastered." "The historic demand for the Scriptures in 
the language of the people needs to be supplemented by 
the effort to fix the Scriptures in the minds of the people. 
The cooking stove apostasy, the fair and sociable delus- 
ion, the craze for revivalists and Gospel singers, are 
excrescences that tell of a lack of Bible iron in the blood 
of our churches." Closely following this report, Profes- 
sor W. R. Harper gave an address on "The Bible Study 
of To-day." 

1891. The sixty-eighth annual meeting was held with 
the First church, New Haven, Rev. J. H. 
Mason, pastor. The former officers were reelected. 
The pastor felicitously extended a warm welcome. 

Address of President Wayland. 

This was a trumpet-call to duty. He said in part: 
"The interest of this church in state missions is shown 
by the increase of its subscription, which for this year 
is $600. We can easily, if we will, hear the call to duty. 
Wherever this call is not heard above the tumult of 
traffic and the world's wide uproar, there the interests of 
Christ's kingdom hold a subordinate place, and the 
distinct command of Christ is disobeyed. There are 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 155 

feeble churches to be aided; shall we allow them to suf- 
fer? There are brethren of our own faith coming to 
us from over the sea, asking not charity but assistance in 
making a church home in a strange land; shall we refuse 
to help them? There are desert places thirsting for the 
water of life; shall we say that our own supply is too 
small to be divided? Brethren, we must answer these 
questions to our own conscience. Let us answer them 
in such a manner as shall make the coming year the 
beginning of a new era of spiritual prosperity, because 
of greater combined effort and greater individual self- 
denial." 

Fruitfulness of the Mission Churches. 

Attention is called to this in the report. In the mis- 
sion churches there had been 138 baptisms, one to every 
thirteen of the members. In all other churches there had 
been one baptism to thirty members. The mission 
churches had been aided to the amount of $2,340. They 
had paid back in benevolence $1,312, half as much as 
they had received, and had raised for their own expenses 
$11,101. Truly the Convention had been helping those 
who helped themselves. 

Unreported Gifts for State Work. 

The report called attention to what has been too often 
overlooked, the gifts from churches and individuals 
made directly in the interest of state missions, but not 
passing through the Convention treasury. This year 
the Secretary had knowledge of such gifts to the amount 
of $6,328, which added to the sum that passed through 
the hands of the Treasurer would make a total of 
$11,050.50 given for proper state mission work. These 
amounts were reported from the churches in the columns 
of benevolence. We may not suppose that so much is 
given every year in this unrecognized way, but every 
year a considerable sum is thus given that does not appear 
in the transactions of the Convention. 



156 HISTORY OF THE 

The Howard Avenue Church, New Haven. 

This had been for some years a mission of the Calvary 
Baptist church. This year it had been organized as an 
independent church with a membership of seventy, drawn 
in about equal numbers from the Calvary and the First 
churches. The new church was in possession of a good 
property worth at least $12,000, with a debt of $3,000. 

A new mission had been successfully started on Dixwell 
Avenue in New Haven, occupying a chapel that had 
been used for a Methodist church. This mission rapidly 
grew into a church and was known as the Olivet church. 

President JVayland's Tribute to Dr. Palmer. 

"Surely I do no injustice to those who remain to say 
of him that he was the most conspicuous figure in our 
annual gatherings, the acknowledged Nestor at our coun- 
cil board. We shall not soon forget his dignified bearing 
or the beauty of his apostolic face, the tender tones of his 
voice, the prevailing charm of his Christlike spirit. To 
have known such a man well is a liberal education; to 
have been within the scope of his influence and example 
should be a life-long inspiration." 

Twenty-four churches and missions had received aid. 
There had been paid into the treasury $4,902.50. A 
bequest of $1,500 had been received from Alfred 
Francis. 

The Work of the Young People. 

This year witnessed the recognition by the Convention 
of the work that was being carried on in our churches by 
the young people's societies organized under different 
names. In 1890 a committee had been appointed to re- 
port on the general subject this year. This report was 
presented by Rev. Kittridge Wheeler of the South church, 
Hartford, in the form of six resolutions, which were 
adopted: 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 157 

1. "Resolved, That we gratefully welcome the upris- 
ing of our young people in the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, manifested both in the Y. P. S. C. E. and in other 
young people's associations. 

2. "Resolved, That without interfering with any 
other alliance, we cordially recommend all these societies 
among our Baptist churches to associate themselves with 
the Young People's Baptist Union of America. 

3. "Resolved, That the constitution of the Conven- 
tion be so amended as to invite each young people's as- 
sociation of whatever name, connected with a Baptist 
church in the state, to send a delegate to our annual 
meeting, and that a place be provided in the program for 
the proper consideration of the special work of the young 
people. 

4. "Resolved, That we recommend similar action on 
the part of the associations of the state with reference 
to the Young People's Movement. 

5. "Resolved, That we cordially commend to our 
young people the excellent and able paper published by 
our society in Philadelphia, 'Our Young People's Union.' 

6. "Resolved, That a commiteee of seven on the 
work of cur young people be appointed, to be known as 
a 'Central Committee of Advice and Correspondence.' 
To this committee shall be entrusted the duty of entering 
into correspondence with all the young people's societies 
in our churches, securing reports from them, circulating 
literature among them, making suggestions as to plans 
of work, holding rally meetings, and, in any way which 
may approve itself to them as desirable, increasing the 
efficiency of these societies and promoting their unity." 

The committee of seven called for in these resolutions 
was appointed and consisted of the following persons : 
P. S. Evans, J. S. James, Archibald Wheaton, C. H. 
Brown, Henry Clarke and F. A. Betts. 

1892. The sixty-ninth annual meeting was held with 

the Willimantic church, Rev. J. Bunyan Lemon, 

pastor. The ofUcers of last year were reelected. The 



158 HISTORY OF THE 

Willimantic church had been founded in 1828 and it was 
the second church to receive aid from the Convention. 
So the Convention was coming to its own. The pastor 
extended the customary welcome and the President re- 
sponded. 

Tribute to Joseph W . Dimock. 

This tribute to the memory of Brother J. W. Dimock, 
prepared by Rev. Dr. James, had been adopted by the 
Board and made a part of its record: 

"Joseph W. Dimock was born at Rocky Hill, March 
15, 1801. He died in the ninety-second year of his age, 
at Hartford, March 24, 1892. He was baptized into the 
fellowship of the First church, April 29, 1816, and con- 
tinued to be a consistent, faithful, active member until 
his death, a period of seventy-six years. He was a mem- 
ber of the Board of Managers of the Convention from 
a time reaching beyond the memory of any survivor. 
As a boy of thirteen he was present at the organization 
of the first Baptist foreign missionary society of the 
state, and continued to be warmly interested in all enter- 
prises to extend the Redeemer's kingdom. His life was 
not so remarkable for its length as for its singular sweet- 
ness and purity. He was a vigorous, active business man 
and church member until within a few days of his death. 
He seemed to walk in two worlds, having a lively sym- 
pathy with the men and interests of this world, and yet 
so close to the other that his translation scarcely led 
him through the shadow of death." 

Reports from the Field. 

Pastor Rohnstrom of Meriden spoke for the Swedes: 
"The work began in 1882. That year fifteen Swedish 
Baptists came to Bridgeport and organized a church. 
When they had twenty-five members they began to 
build. They have a good chapel, though still some- 
what in debt. They have now one hundred and 
forty-nine members. The second church was the one 
in New Haven, organized the same year. Now 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 159 

they have a membership of fifty, but have as yet no 
chapel. In 1883 a church was started in New Britain 
and a fine house is in process of erection. In 1887 a 
church started in Meriden. It has now seventy mem- 
bers and a commodious chapel, not yet quite paid for. 
In 1888 a church was organized in Hartford, which has 
a membership of fifty-four and meets in the South 
church." 

Rev. O. F. Pistor of New Britain spoke for the Ger- 
mans : "The German settles his relation to the church 
soon after coming to this land. If not speedily won to 
Christ he is not likely to be won at all. The Germans 
must be something; if not for Christ they will be against 
him." There were at this time six German churches: 
New Haven, self-supporting, Meriden, also self-support- 
ing, New Britain, Bridgeport, Waterbury and Seymour. 

Pastor Clark of Winsted said: "I have no discourage- 
ments to report. We never have the blues, even if we 
have difficulties. These are but spurs to new efforts. 
The people are a willing people, with large hopes. If 
there ever was any feeling of hostility in the community, 
it has disappeared. The foundations were laid wisely. 
We are fully organized for all departments of church 
work. We are trying to become self-supporting, and 
soon shall be." 

The general discussion on the work of the Board was 
full and earnest. Excellent reports were given by the 
several committees on Home and Foreign Missions, 
State of Religion, etc. Rev. J. F. Burditt of the Telugu 
Mission was present and made a most stirring address on 
the trials and successes of his work among those interest- 
ing people. 

Report of Committee on Work of Young People. 

The committee on this work, appointed last year under 
the title of Committee on Correspondence and Advice, 
reported through its chairman, Rev. P. S. Evans, Secre- 
tary and Superintendent: 



160 HISTORY OF THE 

"Your committee respectfully report that they have 
had several meetings through the year and have been in 
correspondence with all the societies of young people in 
the state. Two general public meetings were held in 
Hartford, which were well attended. Reports were re- 
ceived from 101 churches, 80 of which had societies of 
young people, with a membership of 4,464. Your com- 
mittee also arranged for a series of rallies for Bible 
study and discussion of practical topics. These were held 
in Danielson, New London, Deep River, New Britain 
and Bridgeport. Pastors Nordeil, Genung, Stone, James, 
Mason and Poteat rendered most valuable service, as 
did the local pastors; and many of the young people pre- 
sented admirable papers. The meetings were largely 
attended and thought to be very helpful. The expense 
of travel and printing, somewhat large, was fully and 
exactly met to a cent by the offerings taken. The hold- 
ing of these meetings and of the delegated meeting in 
Hartford has resulted in the formation of the Baptist 
Young People's Union of Connecticut. The first meet- 
ing of this Union was held on the evening of Monday 
preceding the meeting of the Convention. To this new 
and vigorous society your committee has entrusted the 
further prosecution of this work and now asks to be dis- 
charged." 

The first meeting of the Union referred to was largely 
attended and quite enthusiastic. It had been determined 
after full discussion that the organization should be inde- 
pendent of the Convention, care being taken that a special 
time should be set apart by the Convention officers for 
the meetings, and a report of those meetings should be 
printed in the minutes of the Convention. The plan first 
adopted has been carried out through the succeeding years. 
It adds another society to those which gather around the 
Convention as their center. This movement has resulted 
in drawing the young people into closer sympathy and 
helpfulness in our state work. It is a matter of regret 
to the compiler of this sketch of the Convention's his- 
tory that space cannot be given to the meetings of this 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 161 

body. This is as impossible as it is to give room for the 
Education Society, the Ministers' Conference, and the 
Social Union. 

Thirty churches and missions had received aid this 
year, to the amount of $4,375. Of this $1,000 had been 
paid as the balance of the mortgage on the property of 
the Memorial church. The church had raised $6,000 
besides paying all current expenses. The Convention 
had paid the interest on the fast diminishing debt. 

In this year's minutes the secretary published a map 
of the state, indicating the location of all Baptist churches 
and furnishing other valuable statistics. There are 158 
townships, in 88 of which there were no Baptist churches. 
In 32 of these townships there were fewer than one thou- 
sand inhabitants, and in 26 others fewer than two thou- 
sand. In 1890 the population of the entire state was 
746,138. Of this number 22,745 were Baptists, or one 
in 33. Had the adults alone been counted the proportion 
of Baptists would have been somewhat larger; and had 
those of foreign birth been omitted our proportion would 
have been considerable. 

1893. The seventieth anniversary was held with the 
Second Danbury church in its new sanctuary, 
October 17 and 18. The officers of last year were re- 
elected. In the absence of the President the Vice-Presi- 
dent, Mr. L. A. Gallup, took the chair, and addressing 
the Convention said: 

"I notice that this is our seventieth anniversary. We 
have reached that dignified age when a great deal of 
wisdom is supposed to have been accumulated. Certain- 
ly our fathers gave evidence of wisdom in their purpose. 
We have increased in material wealth. It becomes us to 
have newer and better ideas of usefulness. The object 
of this Convention is stated to be 'to promote the preach- 
ing of the Gospel and the organization and maintenance 
of churches and Sabbath-schools.' Some of us think that 
the Sabbath-school is of equal importance with preaching. 
But our program does not provide for anything except 



162 HISTORY OF THE 

a report from the Sunday-schools. Can we do our whole 
duty by giving it into the hands of a committee to report 
next year?" 

Changes Within Seventy Years. 

The report of the Board called attention to some of 
these changes. "The old Danbury Association began 
the work of state missions, which the Convention seventy 
years ago was organized to carry on and extend 
through the state. Among the churches whose delegates 
met for this purpose we find a number, then strong, that 
are now among our aided churches. Only fifty-two of the 
eighty churches then represented are on our records now. 
Twenty-five of the eighty have ceased to exist, while three 
have changed their names. ' It is wonderful that the pas- 
tors and delegates of the churches so soon to be depleted, 
and some of them to be wiped out, were the very ones 
who were foremost in providing for the changed condi- 
tions. Eighty-two churches have been organized within 
the seventy years. Nearly all of these have been in some 
degree beneficiaries of the Convention. 

"What means have the Baptists of the state put into 
the hands of the Board to carry on this work? A some- 
what careful compilation of quite imperfect returns shows 
that the total direct contributions have fallen short of 
$140,000. Of course a good deal has been given that 
has not passed through the hands of the Boards. But 
when we find that the Baptists of the state in a single 
year (1892) raised for all religious purposes the large 
sum of $243,000, or nearly a quarter of a million, we 
cannot but feel chagrined that in seventy years they have 
given for all the diversified work of the Convention only 
an average of $2,000." 

Missions to the Italians Advocated. 

The report of the Board thus refers to this matter: 
"Nor, brethren, can we longer remain indifferent to the 
welfare of the thousands of Italians who are coming into 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 163 

our state, many of whom will settle permanently among 
us. It is said that of all the Papists, the Italians are least 
attached to the Papacy. In the fatherland they have 
acquired a love of national freedom, which the Roman 
hierarchy is doing its best to suppress." 

In the discussion on this feature of the report, Rev. C. 
L. Rhoades of Stamford said: "I have been brought 
into contact with this people and have found them a very 
devout people. It needs the outpouring of the Holy 
Spirit that we may speak to them in their own tongue the 
things of God. I have had the privilege of baptizing a 
few of them already. I am ready to open my heart and 
my church to any for whom Christ died." 

It was this address of Pastor Rhoades that resulted 
in opening the work among this people, of which we have 
heard so much since. It was his first convert from among 
this people, Pasqual De Carlo, who was employed as the 
first missionary. Though afterwards he wrought us 
much harm, and fellowship was withdrawn from him, 
yet in the beginning of his work much good was done 
that has lasted in spite of his defection. 

Twenty-five churches and missions received in aid 
$2,765, besides which special aid was given to other 
churches, the whole aggregating $4,000. In addition 
large sums had been given for city missions and for 
chapel-building, including $9,000 by Mr. Josiah Hull of 
Cheshire for a chapel in that town. A church was subse- 
quently started there and has been helped by the Board, 
but the results obtained do not seem to have justified the 
enterprise. The returns of 1907 show that after four- 
teen years of effort there are but thirty-six members in 
the church. It was a case of misdirected zeal on the part 
of the good brother. That amount of money, if it had 
been put at the disposal of the Board, would have been 
expended in a more promising field. 

1894. The seventy-first annual meeting was held with 

the Central church, Norwich, Rev. J. D. Herr, 

D.D., pastor. The President, Secretary and Treasurer 



164 HISTORY OF THE 

were reelected. Dr. Herr in his address of welcome said 
in part: "This is the seventh time the Convention has 
made a visit to this city. The old building in which the 
fathers worshipped is long since gone. We welcome you 
to our newest church home. In this city Isaac Backus 
was born. From this place his mother was taken to the 
jail in New London because she would worship God ac- 
cording to the dictates of her own conscience. We wel- 
come you to this historic place where Washington often 
came and held councils of war, and where lie the bones 
of Uncas, the Indian chief. We hope you will carry 
away with you pleasant memories of the city, which has 
been called the 'beautiful rose of New England.' " 

Revivals and Evangelistic Labors. 

From the report of the Board we gather: "It has 
been a year of unusual depression in business, but the 
year of financial distress has proved, as so often before, 
a year of special ingathering. The baptisms reported 
last year were 900: this year we report 1,318. There 
has been also very little decline in the benevolence of the 
churches." 

The Board had secured the services of Rev. Drew T. 
Wyman as State Evangelist. He had held meetings in 
Rockville. Hartford, Voluntown, jewett City, Winsted 
and Mystic, giving satisfaction everywhere, and the Lord 
blessing his labors. In his report Brother Wyman says : 
"During the 82 days I have preached 74 times, given 52 
Bible readings, 12 prayer meeting and Sunday-school ad- 
dresses, besides the singing and. inquiry meeting work. 
There have been 206 who have enrolled themselves as 
earnest inquirers. The number who will join the churches 
I cannot estimate." It would have been the joy of the 
committee to engage Mr. Wyman for permanent evan- 
gelistic work had the means been in sight. 

Loans to Churches. 

Out of certain legacies the Board had loaned $1,000 
to the Swedish church, New Britain, and the same amount 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 165 

to the German church, Waterbury. This form of church 
aid should receive greater attention than has formerly 
been bestowed on it. "When large sums are given to a 
church for building or repairs they should be considered 
only as a temporary loan without interest, to be paid back 
in instalments, a mortgage note being given on the 
property. Thus the money would find its way back to be 
used again and again. The creation of a 'loan fund' of 
this character might also attract donations and legacies." 

The Mission to the French. 

This work had been abandoned several years for lack 
of a fit worker. Rev. Daniel Leclere had been placed 
in the field. The letter of the Putnam church to the Ash- 
ford Association spoke of the encouragement it had 
found in the additions to its number from the French 
mission. 

Student Supplies. 

It occurred to the Board that students could be secured 
from the seminaries and employed through the summer 
months to advantage. Rev. W. G. Fennell and Mr. J. 
W. Manning, with the Secretary, were made a committee 
to have this work in charge. Two such students were 
secured from the middle class at Newton, Mr. G. A. 
Martell and Mr. E. B. Dolan, who labored respectively 
in Eastford and West Hartford. Most satisfactory 
reports had come from these fields. The charges were 
SlOO each and expenses. The cost to the Convention 
had been only $90 for both. 

General Review of Aided Churches. 

"We have made appropriations to thirty-three 
churches and missions, assisting in the support of men 
who are preaching the glad tidings to a lost world. Two 
of these men are ministering to our colored brethren, 



166 HISTORY OF THE 

two of them to our German brethren, six to the Swedes 
among us, one to the French. Eighteen are employed 
as pastors of our American churches. Is this an insig- 
nificant work? Shall we feel less interest in these our 
brethren at our own door than in those far off? Shall 
it not count for something in our work that all know 
where and what the work is, and who the workers are? 
The Board has expended on this work $5,287, of which 
$2,000 were special gifts in equal amounts to the New 
Britain Swede and the Waterbury German churches in 
aid of their building funds." 

1895. The seventy-second annual meeting was held 
with the First church, Bridgeport, Rev. G. W. 
Nicholson, pastor, in its new and beautiful house of wor- 
ship. Ninety-four churches were represented by three 
hundred and fourteen delegates. 

Report of the Board. 

Thirty churches and missions had received in aid 
$3,292, had spent in benevolence $1,342, and on their 
own fields $12,871, and reported 96 baptisms. The gen- 
eral benevolence of all the churches in the state exhibited 
an increase over last vear of $9,000. The baptisms were 
925. 

Messiah Church, Bridgeport. 

"This church has been making heroic efforts to provide 
itself with a suitable house of worship. The Board has 
found itself unable to extend much aid. The means 
available for such church building have been exhausted 
in gifts to other churches. The need here has been so 
urgent that, with the cordial approval of many of the 
brethren in Bridgeport, the church has entered upon the 
enterprise. The people have paid $1,800 for a lot and 
raised $1,800 towards a building that will cost in all 
$7,000. A mortgage has been negotiated for $4,000. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 167 

Interest on this will be $100 less than they have been 
paying for the very wretched and unwholesome premises 
they have been occupying." 

New Haven Swede Church. 

u This is the oldest of all our Swede churches, and has 
done excellent work. They have been greatly hindered 
from the first for want of a suitable place of worship, 
occupying at present a lodge room in the third story of 
a building on a very noisy street. The Lutheran and 
the Congregational Swede churches are well housed. 
There are over two thousand Swedes in New Haven. 
Because of these unfavorable conditions the church seems 
as far from being established as it was ten years ago. 
They contemplate the purchase of a little chapel at a 
cost of $3,000, which with an outlay of a few hundred 
can be made available for several years. They ask your 
Board to do for them what it has done for other Swede 
churches. A generous help at first is far more helpful 
than a little doled out for many years." 

We are glad to be able to add that this appeal bore 
fruit, and the church put into possession of this house has 
made far more satisfactory progress in the years that 
have followed. The five other Swede churches were re- 
ported as prospering. The Bridgeport church had be- 
come entirely self-supporting. 

Rev. W . H. Johnson, Evangelist. 

"Pursuant to the instructions of the Convention, the 
Board secured the services of Brother Johnson as State 
Evangelist. Our brother held services in six churches, 
all of which were well attended and resulted in accessions 
of membership. The most fruitful was in Groton, where 
the converts numbered one hundred and twenty-two. The 
evangelist felt the need of a tent for summer work. The 
cost of the tent with its furnishings, the lamps being 
given by Edward Miller, and the organ loaned by the 



168 HISTORY OF THE 

Estey Organ Company, was only $234. This amount 
was collected by special subscription. The tent was 
pitched in Branford, Moosup, Preston and Norwich. 
The experiment has been fully justified." 

New Fields of Work Opening. 

"Perhaps first among these, not because of any cer- 
tainty of immediate success but because of our supreme 
duty to these strangers in our land, we mention the neces- 
sity of providing missions to the Italians. More than 
any other Romanists, these people are accessible to Pro- 
testant truth. The claim has also frequently been made 
and we believe justly, that Baptists, of all Protestant 
denominations, can most consistently and most success- 
fully oppose the hierarchical tyranny and expose the vain 
traditions of the Papal church; because they alone have 
stripped off the last remnant of the rags that clothe the 
scarlet woman. Yet the one solitary Baptist mission 
among these people is the one sustained by the Stamford 
church. It needs our aid. We only await the word from 
the Convention. 

"The village or town of Torrington offers an open 
door. A partial canvass of the place by Rev. W. G. 
Fennell and the Superintendent has convinced these breth- 
ren that an 'effectual entrance' cannot be made there 
unless we are prepared to offer similar, if not equal 
financial aid to that which we gave in Winsted. Yet 
Torrington is a larger and faster growing town than 
Winsted, has fewer churches and a larger constituency 
to reach and appeal to." 

A Reminiscence of Fifty Years Ago. 



Rev. Dr. Phelps, who had attended every Convention 
for fifty years, said: "Fifty years ago you met in New 
London. The easiest way for me to reach that distant 
place from New Haven was to take the steamboat for 




REV. S. DRYDEX PHELPS, D.B. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 169 

New York, stop in Brooklyn over night, take the Long 
Island train to Greenport, and then the steamer to New 
London. Rev. Jabez S. Swan was President of the 
Convention. Rev. Emory Shailer was the missionary. 
They raised $1,440 for your work and gave $505 among 
the churches. The church at Waterbury received $35. 
The church at Torrington was received into the Con- 
vention; I do not know what became of it. The church 
at Montville was also received, though I am sure there 
had been one there before. There was great need of 
money for foreign missions. Enthusiasm was aroused 
by the President offering twenty-five dollars extra as his 
gift, and live hundred dollars were that evening raised 
for this purpose. One hundred delegates were present." 
The doctor was right as to the Montville Union church 
received that year. There had been two churches, be- 
tween which a union had been effected, and of this the 
Montville Union was the fruit. The Torrington he re- 
ferred to was the church in Newfield district, four miles 
from the village, then known as Wolcotville. Before this 
year of 1895 closed the new Torrington church was or- 
ganized and entered upon its successful career. 

1896. The seventy-third annual meeting was held with 
the First New London church, Rev. F. G. Mc- 
Keever, pastor. The Convention was called to order by 
the retiring President, Hon. Francis Wayland, LL.D. In 
extending a welcome to the Convention Pastor McKeever 
said, among other good words : 

"We welcome you for what you have been, for what 
you are, and for what you will be. Unless all the signs 
fail, more will be required of State Conventions in the 
future, especially in the New England states, than in the 
past. Opportunities will be offered that will eclipse all 
that have gone before. More and more we shall be com- 
pelled to care for the spiritual welfare of our common- 
wealth 'every one over against his own house.' The 
French are here, many of them increasingly distrustful of 
their mother church and earnestly asking for light. Italy 



170 HISTORY OF THE 

is here, not the Italy of history, and art, and song, and 
poetry, but benighted, superstitious, almost savage Italy, 
distrustful of their priests, hostile to the Pope, yet know- 
ing not the path of freedom. These and others, some 
more hopeful material for citizenship and Christianity, 
some less so. It shall be ours to point the way for all. 
Then may 

'dialects unheard, 

At Babel, or at Jewish Pentecost, 
Now first articulate, divinest sound, 
And swell the universal anthem.' " 

Changes Within Fifteen Years. 

In the report of the Board the Secretary called atten- 
tion to the changes which had occurred in the state in the 
fifteen years since the Convention had met with this 
church. Of the pastors then serving the 120 churches, 
only four remained in the service of the same church, and 
of the remainder only six were left in the ministry of 
the state. Since 1881 twenty-seven new churches had 
been organized, among which were nine churches in which 
a foreign tongue was spoken. Of the twenty-eight 
churches then aided four had dropped out by the way, 
but eleven of them were now self-supporting. "Certainly 
the remembrance of what has been done in fostering these 
churches into strength should stimulate us in the work we 
are now doing." 

The whole number of baptisms in the churches this 
year was 1,255. Of these 118 were from the mission 
churches. 

The New Torrington Church. 

"In December last, after careful survey of the field 
with Brethren Fennell and Piddock and consultation with 
the Baptists who were anxious for the work to be begun, 
it was decided to begin public preaching in a hall. After 
only a few weeks of trial the prospect seemed so en- 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 171 

couraging that a council was called of the churches in the 
Hartford Association and some of the Convention, and 
a church of twenty-nine members was recognized. The 
Board authorized a special appeal to the churches, and 
$1,200 had already been received. The church has pur- 
chased a lot. Also by the expenditure of $350 they have 
fitted up the Town House as a place of worship." 

The Italian Mission Begun. 

This work, so long under consideration by the Board, 
had been entered upon. Pasqual DaCarlo had been ap- 
pointed missionary, half of his salary to be paid by the 
Home Mission Society. He prosecuted the work with 
assiduity, preaching every Sabbath in Stamford and in 
New Haven and frequently in Bridgeport and other 
places. This work, so tardily begun, has since grown in 
magnitude and interest till it has become one of the most 
important departments of the Convention. It has en- 
countered trials and met with severe disappointments, 
chiefly from the defection of two of the brethren in whom 
we trusted. Yet even these things have happened for the 
furtherance of the Gospel. It was so evidently of the 
Lord that the Board has never withdrawn from its sup- 
port. 

Relation of the Home Mission Society. 

In this summary of the history of the Convention we 
may not have made it sufficiently evident that in all the 
work we have done for the foreigners in the state the 
Home Mission Society has always been an equal partner 
with the Convention, both in counsel and in expense. This 
has been altogether true in regard to the appointment of 
missionaries and the payment of their salaries; not so 
much so in regard to the building of chapels; though even 
in this we have received some grants from the Church 
Edifice Fund of the Home Mission Society.' 



172 HISTORY OF THE 

Change of Presidents. 

Hon. Francis Wayland had served ten years as Presi- 
dent and insisted on being relieved from the office. By 
reason of his high social position, his familiarity with 
parliamentary law, and his deep personal interest in the 
work of the Convention, he had tilled this office with 
exceptional ability. The committee on nomination of 
officers presented for the office of President the name 
of William A. Grippen of Bridgeport. Mr. Grippen was 
unanimously chosen to this position, which he continued 
to hold for four years. Rev. P. S. Evans was again 
chosen Secretary, and W. F. Walker, Treasurer. 



A Veteran in the Sen 



vice. 



In the discussion on the report of the Board a number 
of the men laboring on the field were heard from. Among 
these was Rev. N. T. Allen of Poquonoc Bridge, who con- 
tinued his unique ?.nd useful ministry to that people for 
four years ] ^nger. We let him speak for himself in this 
record: "I have been in the ministry for fifty-three years. 
I have been on the present field eight years. It was a 
part of my field forty-eight years ago. I am now preach- 
ing to the grandchildren of some I baptized in that early 
ministry. The church is small and promises to be. Yet 
the past winter forty or fifty were converted and thirty- 
nine were baptized and five received by letter." This is 
a most remarkable, indeed an unprecedented record, con- 
sidered as the result of the labors of a man who had 
been fifty-three years in the ministry. To him the promise 
was abundantly fulfilled, "He shall bring forth fruit in 
old age." 

Thirty churches and missions had been aided by the 
Board at an expense of $5,073, including special do- 
nations of $1,500 to Torrington and $500 to the Messiah 
of Bridgeport. A debt of $4,780 was reported, but it 
was lessened by pledges given to the amount of $1,000. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 173 

A Change in the Superintendency. 

At the first meeting of the Board Mr. Evans, at his own 
request was relieved of the duties of Superintendent, that 
he might give his time to the young church in Torrington. 
He retained the office of Secretary for a period of six 
years longer. Rev. C. A. Piddock, who previous to his 
purchase of the Christian Secretary had served as Super- 
intendent for a term of eighteen months, and who, hav- 
ing now sold the paper, was again available for this 
service, was unanimously chosen to the position, which he 
continued to fill for a term of five years. 

1897. The seventy-fourth annual meeting was held with 
the Asylum A^venue church of Hartford, Rev. G. 
M. Stone, D.D., pastor. W. A. Grippen was President, P. 
S. Evans, Secretary, and W. F. Walker, Treasurer. 

Rev. Dr. Stone in welcoming the Convention said: "In 
the name of this and the four sister churches of this city 
we give you a welcome. Twenty-five years ago today 
this building was dedicated to the worship of God. While 
our church history has been hedged within the terminal 
limits of twenty-five years, we have been closely allied 
with the work of the Convention for a much longer 
period. The Treasurer of the Convention, Mr. Ware- 
ham Griswold, was a member of this church from its for- 
mation. Mr. James Lockwood, his successor, was a mem- 
ber with us, and so also is Rev. C. A. Piddock, the Super- 
intendent of Missions." 

Mr. Grippen, the President, said: "One year ago 
there was a general feeling of depression and discourage- 
ment in our land, in things both secular and religious. 
This has since been dispelled, and the sunshine of prosper- 
ity is again flooding the land. That the Convention has 
had some share in this improvement I believe the reports 
will show. The efforts of your Superintendent have been 
untiring. Let us inscribe on our banners and work to the 
sentiment, 'Connecticut first, and the whole world at the 



174 HISTORY OF THE 

The Chapel in Torrington. 

The building of this chapel had occupied the attention 
of the special committee, Hon. J. L. Howard, Rev. C. A. 
Piddock and Rev. P. S. Evans, for several months. We 
anticipate the reports of a few years in order to present 
in brief the history of this enterprise. The chapel was 
so far finished in October, 1897, that the Superinten- 
dent of Missions was able to say of it in his report, "The 
beautiful chapel is nearly ready for dedication and is a 
delight to all who see it." It was dedicated within a few 
weeks of that time. The entire cost including land, and 
filling, and building, and furnishing was $9,800. Of this 
the Convention paid $4,532, including the nearly $2,000 
specially contributed. There was raised on the field 
$3,367. A mortgage was placed on the property for 
$2,000. This was in a few years liquidated from a legacy 
of $4,000 left by Mr. Elisha Turner of Torrington, who 
had been a Baptist for many years and a member of 
the First church in New London. Additional ground has 
since been secured by the church and a comfortable par- 
sonage bought. In the ten years that have since elapsed 
the value of the property has greatly increased. Mean- 
while the population of Torrington has nearly doubled. 

Report of the Field Secretary. 

The reports of the Field Secretary, Rev. C. A. Pid- 
dock, were for this and several following years made a 
part of the report of the Board. These reports gave de- 
tailed accounts of the condition of the aided churches 
and the several missions, as well as of the personal labors 
of the Field Secretary himself. Of all this only the 
briefest summary can be given in this historical sketch. 

This Convention year, during his ten months of ser- 
vice, Mr. Piddock had held evangelistic services in several 
churches, always with encouraging results, and had de- 
livered addresses in forty churches. In the course of his 
varied labors he had personally visited all the aided 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 175 

churches and missions, familiarizing himself with their 
condition. Of the Italian work, so lately undertaken, he 
says: "Since the beginning of the year we have had an 
Italian colporteur, Brother Massimino, at work in New 
Haven and Southington. It is probable that we shall in 
the near future be able to enlarge our efforts in this 
promising field." He reported the conditions on all the 
fields as hopeful and closed his report with this appeal: 
"We should enlarge our work among the Swedes and 
Germans as well as the Italians, and there are still other 
foreigners that need to be reached. Evidently the plan 
of systematic beneficence has not yet been adopted, even 
if considered, by our people. The ideal will not be reached 
till we have a contribution from every Baptist, young and 
old, in the state." 

There was given in aid $3,000, besides the gift for 
the chapel in Torrington. At the beginning of this Con- 
vention year there was a total indebtedness of $5,152. 
Before the minutes were printed the Secretary was able 
to add a supplementary note to the effect that, from the 
contributions during the year, and the special effort made 
in the sessions of the Convention, the running expenses of 
the year had been met and the debt reduced to less than 
$1,000. 

While the Convention was still in session notice was 
received of the death of Brother Midian N. Griswold of 
Winsted, who had taken so active a part in the founding 
of the church in that town. Hon James L. Howard and 
Rev. P. S. Evans were appointed to attend the funeral 
services as representatives of the Convention. A fuller 
notice of this worthy brother is found in the necrology 
prepared for this volume. 

The Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Convention. 

1898. The meeting was held this year with the First 
church, Meriden, Rev. W. G. Fennell, pastor. 
Brother Fennell had been pastor of the church in Middle- 
town in 1890, when the Convention met with that church. 



176 HISTORY OF THE 

He was therefore not unfamiliar with the pleasure of 
extending a welcome to the brethren engaged in a work 
to which he had been vitally related for many years, being 
himself, as we have seen before, in a sense a child of the 
Convention. In his welcome he gave interesting state- 
ments of the history of the Meriden church which deserve 
recording here. 

A Little Baptist History. 

"We welcome you to historic ground. Baptist history 
goes back in this community to 1731. Groton was the 
first church in the state in 1705, Waterford the second 
in 1710. Waterford established a branch church in 
Wallingford in 1731, and it was called the 'Third Baptist 
church in Connecticut.' What is now Meriden was then 
a part of Wallingford. The place of meeting was three 
miles southeast of this place. Rev. John Merriam was 
ordained here and afterward preached for many years 
in Southington. His death is dated 1784, and on his 
tombstone he is styled a 'Calvinistic Anti-Pa^do-Baptist 
Minister.' His ministry was to the center of the state 
what Valentine Wightman's was to southeastern Con- 
necticut. This early church after some years ceased to 
exist. But Baptists are Baptists, and these only waited 
an opportunity to begin their services again. In August, 
1786 the First Wallingford church was formed. This 
church granted letters to form the Second Wallingford 
church, in what is now known as Wallingford proper. 
With the setting off of the town of Meriden it was found 
that the First Wallingford church was in the limits of the 
new town of Meriden. So here we are, originally the First 
Wallingford, now the First Meriden. This church passed 
its century mark two years ago. Many of its pastors 
have been men of power and influence in the state : Samuel 
Miller, Harvey Miller, Dr. D. H. Miller, Dr. H. A. 
Cordo, Dr. B. O. True, and J. V. Garton. Our brother, 
Edward Miller, is a grandson of the first of the name and 
a nephew of the second." 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 177 

President Grippen in his address said: "The period of 
seventy-five years has passed into history, leaving a record 
which is a memorial to those to whom the Convention 
owes its existence. During the year just closing rumors 
of war, and later the stern realities of actual warfare, 
have been disturbing factors, diverting thought and action 
from Convention interests. Under a favoring Providence 
these untoward circumstances have been removed, and 
with peace comes increased responsibility. Shall it not be 
met with energetic and progressive action?" 

The IV ar with Spain. 

The report of the Board, like the address of the Presi- 
dent, speaks of the effect of the war in lessening our 
resources and impairing the activities of the churches, 
the latter result being seen in the falling off in the number 
of additions. Our churches had contributed their full 
share toward the volunteer forces placed at the disposal 
of the President. The Vice-President of the Convention 
had resigned a lucrative practice to accept a captaincy in 
a Connecticut regiment. A son of the Field Secretary, 
and sons of at lea r: two of our pastors, had enlisted, 
besides no doubt many others of our young men. So 
ready was the response of the country, and so quickly 
was the war ended, that not a single regiment or com- 
pany of Connecticut soldiers was sent to the seat of 
war. Large sums of money, however, were expended 
through private channels for the spiritual wants of our 
soldiers in camp. Of these moneys our churches had 
given their full quota. Whether the war was avoidable or 
not, two beneficient results have followed it. It awakened 
in the South a fervent patriotism for the old flag and the 
reunited country, so that the men who in the earlier sad 
strife had worn the gray and those who had worn the 
blue once more stood side by side under the starry flag. 
Better still, the terms of peace were such as to open up 
new and promising territory for the soldiers of the cross 
to conquer for the Prince of Peace. 



178 HISTORY OF THE 

A Few Figures for the Seventy-five Years. 

The Secretary printed in this year's minutes a brief 
summary of the statistics for the three-quarters of a cen- 
tury just passed. He does not claim absolute accuracy, 
as this cannot be obtained from the imperfect returns. 
The money expended for state missions was $226,739. 
The largest amount for one year was in 1889, when it 
was $10,933. The membership of the churches had 
risen from 8,236 in 1832 to 25,191 in 1898. The Bap- 
tisms for the period considered were 49,902. Within 
this period thirty churches had ceased to exist and ninety 
new churches had been organized. 

Report of the Field Secretary. 

This gives in ample fulness the condition of all the 
churches aided. The Secretary had visited and preached 
in over fifty churches. In some of these he had conducted 
revival services. In speaking of the French mission he 
says : "The French population in Ashford Association 
is nearly 40,000. We have but one missionary among 
them all. The work has not made such advance as we 
had hoped. Brother Tetrault has labored with assiduity, 
and his wife has been a good helper. What we should do 
for this people more than we are doing is a question that 
should be carefully considered by the Board, or rather by 
the Convention of which the Board is but the servant." 
An attractive chapel had been built in the town of 
Cheshire by the generosity of Mr. Hull. The Board had 
aided in the support of Rev. R. A. Nichols as pastor and 
the prospects seemed favorable. 

Rev. G. W . Nicholson's Report on Missions. 

The reports of committees on foreign and home mis- 
sions, and on many other vital interests, form a very 
important feature in all the meetings and occupy a large 
space in our minutes. It is a physical impossibility to find 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 179 

room to include them in this history. These reports, 
many of them very able, are listened to with interest and 
printed in full in the minutes. There they receive honor- 
able burial, and know no resurrection. This report of 
Brother Nicholson should have furnished inspiring 
themes for every pulpit. It should have been put into the 
hands of every member. He made impressive reference 
( 1 ) to the results of the war, in opening new fields for 
mission work in the islands of the sea; (2) to the mar- 
velous successes on our foreign fields, an average of one 
baptism every two hours, night and day, for eighty-four 
years, one Baptist church every two weeks; (3) and to 
the mighty results from the Student Volunteer Movement, 
which had placed thousands of our young men and women 
at the service of the missionary boards. 

The Last Reference to Crescent Beach. 

In the report of the committee on Bible-school work 
we find this: "We recommend that your committee be 
empowered to confer with a committee of the State Bap- 
tist Young People's Union to consider the desirability of 
conjointly assuming the indebtedness of the Crescent 
Beach Tabernacle, now amounting to $2,300, provided 
absolute control be given, and the property be deeded to 
them for their use." This report was adopted, as re- 
ports usually are, but it must have been without much 
consideration for in the next year's report we find no 
reference to the matter. So the often expressed purpose 
of establishing a permanent Baptist Chautauqua was 
allowed to lapse. 



1899. The seventy-sixth annual meeting was held with 
the First Waterbury church, Rev. F. T. Parry, 
pastor. Mr. William A. Grippen was reelected Presi- 
dent, Rev. P. S. Evans, Secretary, and W. F. Walker, 
Treasurer. 



180 HISTORY OF THE 

Report of the Board. 

From this we make a few extracts: "The returns of 
last year showed the smallest number of additions to our 
churches for the ten years preceding. There were last 
year 691. This year there is a further falling off, the 
number being only 494. Fifty of the churches report 
no baptisms at all. It is hoped that this session will be 
marked by a tone of deep spirituality and earnest prayer, 
that may be the precursor of a great awakening among 
our churches. The Board desires to bear its witness to 
the readiness with which the President has devoted his 
time and business ability and his money to the interests 
of the Convention. While this has been true of all your 
Presidents, it is not invidious to say that it is most em- 
phatically true of Mr. Grippen. The total appropria- 
tions in aid amount to $4,143, the largest amount, ex- 
cluding special gifts for building and repairs, given in any 
year of our history. Yet the Board has been compelled 
to refuse some deserving appeals." 

Report of the Field Secretary. 

He had visited fifty-two churches in the prosecution of 
his work. He says : "I have as far as possible responded 
to the calls for evangelistic services and have given my 
entire thought to the interests of the work entrusted to 
me." Of the French mission he says : "Though the gain 
has been small and the work in many respects discourag- 
ing, yet it would be a mistake to abandon it. The con- 
verts often move to other places and become substantial 
supporters of mission work in other fields." He speaks 
hopefully of the work among the Swedes and Germans. 
There were at this time three Italian missionaries on the 
field: DaCarlo, Ceretta and Mazzucca. 

Rev. John H. Strong on the State of the Churches. 

The report on the state of religion in the churches was 
given by Rev. John H. Strong. While many other re- 
ports, which we have been obliged to pass over, were 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 181 

equally worthy of attention, yet because of the special 
timeliness of this one, and because Mr. Strong was him- 
self one of the best exponents among our pastors of that 
personal consecration and devoted evangelical ministry 
to which he summoned his brethren, it seemed lit to give 
it a place in this record. We quote him only in part: 

"The figures to which we have turned, first of all, for 
indication as to the religious condition of our churches 
have not proved encouraging. Four hundred and ninety- 
four baptisms have been reported for the year. One hun- 
dred and forty churches have received this number of 
new members, an average of three persons to one church. 
Or, twenty-five thousand professing Christians have per- 
suaded four hundred and ninety-four people, taking a 
year to do it, to become Christians, an average of one 
convert to fifty Christians. We have to go back eighteen 
years to find so small a number of additions. Without 
question, brethren, the year has been one of general 
spiritual decline, of weak witnessing for Christ. 

"Where lies the responsibility for this? Not primarily 
on the times, the tendency, the tide. Other Christian 
bodies have floated down the stream for a year with us. 
Yet not on the tide does the responsibility rest. Let us 
not ascribe the failure to the obstacles which God put in 
our way for us to overcome, and so to accelerate our 
progress and growth. This year's decline would not have 
taken place if we pastors of the churches had been, in 
fact as in name, men of God filled with the spirit of God's 
Son. 

"We acquiesce, we do not strongly enough believe. 
There is not the disposition among us generally to stake 
all, even our lives, on the naked word of God, and put 
Him to the test. W'esley knew the power of consecrated 
human service when he said, 'Give me one hundred men 
who love nothing but God, fear nothing but sin, and 
know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, and I 
will set this world on fire.' The heart of God, I take it, 
is hungering for channels through which to pour his 
saving power; yet there are so few to offer themselves 



182 HISTORY OF THE 

willingly, so few to test the power of surrendered lives." 
The reading of this report made so deep an impression 
that the business of the Convention was suspended and 
nearly an hour was spent in prayer for the baptism of the 
Holy Spirit upon the pastors of the churches. 

Statistics for the Decade — i8go-i8gg. 

Membership, 25,243; baptisms, 9,122; for state mis- 
sions, $46,478; for Education Society, $14,067; total 
benevolence, $493,085; for church expenses, $2,099,912; 
total expenditure, $2,600,113. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 183 



Chapter X. 

1900-1907. 

1900. The seventy-seventh annual meeting was held 
with Calvary church, New Haven, October 16 
and 17. In the absence of the President, the Rev. G. W. 
Nicholson was appointed Chairman. The address of 
welcome was given by Mr. W. H. Douglass, and re- 
sponded to by the Chairman. The annual sermon was 
preached by Rev. F. G. McKeever of New London. 

Report of the Board. 

"This year marks the completion of the seventy- 
seventh year of your history. Within this period you 
have expended on your w^ork about $236,000. The exact 
amount it is difficult to ascertain. Nor can we tell how 
much has been given directly by the churches for what is 
properly mission work in the state, which has not passed 
through the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention. 
The baptisms for the sixty-three years for which alone 
the precise figures are available were 45,000. It is safe 
to estimate for the unreported years 6,500. This would 
make a total of 51,500, more than twice the number of 
the present membership. How much of this increase is 
due to the labors of the missionary pastors and helpers 
it is impossible to ascertain. But if the proportion of 
the last few years holds good for the entire period, it will 
be seen that the money spent for state missions has 
proved the most profitable part of the investments our 
churches have made for the extension of the kingdom 
of our Lord. 

"The tide of immigration has not yet begun to ebb. A 
less desirable element is pouring into our state. The 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

census of a single factory in the borough of Torrington 
disclosed the fact that fourteen distinct nationalities were 
among its employees. The postmaster of the borough 
asserts that twenty-two nationalities are resident within 
his district. For only four of these have we made any 
provision to give the Gospel. You have done something 
for the Germans in the past. You are doing something 
for the Swedes now. So also for the Italians, and a 
little for the French. Yet it all seems so little in propor- 
tion to the urgent needs. 

"The general outlook is more encouraging thajn last 
year. Some of the churches have done well in paying off 
debts. The fine edifice of the Bridgeport church is almost, 
if not altogether, free from encumbrance. The Dan- 
bury church has made substantial progress in cancelling 
its indebtedness. Towards this your Field Secretary has 
given much assistance, as this also falls well within the 
sphere of his labors. There have been twenty-five changes 
in the pastorate and nineteen new ministers have come 
into the state. It is evident that this constant inconstancy 
in our ministry is a formidable obstacle in the prosecution 
of our work. We cannot but regret that any possible 
remedy for this evil does not properly fall within the 
province of the Convention." 

The baptisms for this year were 828, nearly double 
those of last year. 

Report of the Field Secretary. ■ 

On the matter of the Endowment Fund the Secretary 
reports: "At the last meeting of the Convention it was 
resolved that an effort be made to secure a special endow- 
ment fund of $10,000, and a committee of eight was 
formed to carry this purpose into effect. Subscriptions 
were secured to the amount of $4,000, chiefly from the 
members of the committee, these being conditioned on the 
whole amount being raised. We regret to report that 
we have failed to secure this amount, and we refer the 
matter back to the Convention for any action that may 
seem desirable." 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 185 
Swedes in Hartford Build a Church. 

During the year the Swedes in Hartford had succeeded 
in building a commodious chapel in a very good neighbor- 
hood, at a total cost of $13,000. It was a large enter- 
prise for so small a church to undertake, there being but 
eighty-one members, and these in very humble circum- 
stances. Yet over $4,000 was paid by the members 
themselves, $2,500 being given by other Baptists in the 
city, and $1,500 by friends outside. A mortgage for 
$5,000 remained on the property, but the interest on this 
would be less than the rent of any suitable hall. The 
zeal and resourcefulness of the Swedish brethren were 
such that there was no fear but that they would soon work 
themselves free from all indebtedness. 

The Field Secretary gave a full report of the condi- 
tion of all the aided churches and of the work of the 
missionaries. There were three Italian missionaries and 
one French missionary on the field, at an expense to the 
Convention of $1,427. Twenty- four churches, including 
two German and five Swedish, had received aid to the 
amount of $1,889. These churches had given in benevo- 
lence $1,283, and for home expenses $11,871. The num- 
ber of baptisms reported from the entire mission field 
w T as ninety-seven. 

The Retiring and the Incoming President. 

It will be noticed by the attentive student of the history 
of the Convention that for the first forty years of the 
Convention's existence there was a change in the presi- 
dency nearly every year, so that no one man could formu- 
late and carry out any plan of his own for Convention 
work. But for twenty-five of these years Rev. E. Cush- 
man was the Secretary of the society. In default of a 
permanent President, the continuity of his tenure of office 
left in the hands of the Secretary the shaping of the policy 
of the Convention. Since 1870 what seems a better plan 
has been followed. The Convention has chosen to the 
Presidency men to whom it could entrust the shaping 



186 HISTORY OF THE 

of the policy to be pursued, and has kept them in office 
for a term of years, that they might carry out these plans 
by and with the advice of the Board, and especially of the 
Executive Committee, which being a smaller body could 
be more frequently consulted. Hon. James L. Howard 
held the office for six years, Rev. Dr. Sage for three, 
Mr. W. S. Bronson for four, Dean Wayland for ten, and 
William A. Grippen for four years. Guided largely by 
the plans of these able and deeply interested men, upon 
whom the Convention had placed such responsibilities, 
better results were obtained than formerly. No one of all 
these men had been more conspicuous in the performance 
of his duties, had given more time and earnest thought, or 
been more liberal in money contributions than Mr. Grip- 
pen. The Field Secretary, in seeking his counsel, had made 
large drafts upon his time, and all these drafts had been 
honored. Mr. Grippen's large business ability and 
knowledge of affairs, together with his strong personal 
interest in the work of the Convention, fitted him admir- 
ably for the position of President, and it was with very 
sincere regret that the Convention heard that he could 
not consent to continue in the office. 

The Committee on Nominations presented the follow- 
ing ticket, which was ratified by the Convention: Carnot 
O. Spencer for President, Rev. G. W. Nicholson for First 
Vice-President, Adams P. Carroll for Second Vice-Presi- 
dent, Rev. P. S. Evans for Secretary, and William F. 
Walker for Treasurer. At its first meeting the Board 
reappointed Rev. C. A. Piddock as Field Secretary. 

When the election of officers had been declared the act- 
ing Chairman, Rev. G. W. Nicholson, inducted the new 
President into the chair with appropriate remarks, to 
which Mr. Spencer made fitting reply. For five years 
Mr. Spencer continued in office, with increasing efficiency 
and popular approval. 

The Ten Thousand Dollar Permanent Fund. 

During the discussion of the report of the Board at- 
tention was called to the raising of the Centennial Fund 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 187 

of ten thousand dollars. Under the inspiring appeals of 
the presiding officer several large subscriptions were re- 
ceived. Deacon George Morse offered $1,000, Hon. 
James L. Howard, $1,550 and W. L. Douglass, $500. 
Smaller subscriptions were made to the amount of $230. 
In all $5,730 was secured towards the fund. 

The Committee on Enrollment reported an attendance 
of 326 delegates this year, against 262 last year. 
Churches represented were 117, as against 98 last year. 
Ninety-four of the delegates were pastors. 



1901. The seventy-eighth annual meeting was held with 

the First church, New Britain, Rev. J. H. Strong, 

pastor. No change was made in the principal officers. 

The pastor gave a gracious welcome to the Convention. 

The Address of President Spencer. 

made a deep impression. We give in brief its principal 
points : 

"First, The membership of our churches needs to be 
more fully informed of the nature and character of the 
work being done. As a means to this end I advocate the 
publishing by the Convention of a monthly periodical. In 
the absence of any Baptist state newspaper or journal, 
the need of some medium for the giving of intelligence 
seems to be imperative. 

' 'Second, The necessity of more interest on the part of 
the pastors. This work has its place, and that no inferior 
one, among the larger missionary operations of our de- 
nomination. As a layman, I urge our pastors to take 
this matter upon their hearts. 

"Third, The Convention should have a permanent 
fund sufficiently large to pay the salaries and ordinary 
expenses of the Convention. This once secured, we could 
appeal to our churches for means to prosecute our work. 
The Conventions of all our New England States, Con- 
necticut alone excepted, have such a fund. 



188 HISTORY OF THE 

"Fourth, A new condition now confronts us. In the 
past we have sent our missionaries to the ends of the 
earth. Now the ends of the earth have come to our own 
doors. The Anglo-Saxon element is no longer the domi- 
nant element among us. At least it would not be if all 
the other elements were combined against us. For the 
safety of our institutions, for the salvation of those who 
have come to us, we should increase our efforts to evan- 
gelize these foreigners. 

"Fifth, Some years ago the Bible-school work was suc- 
cessfully prosecuted under the leadership of Rev. W. C. 
Walker, and during the presidency of Mr. W. S. Bron- 
son. I still hope that this branch of our work will not be 
suspended for lack of unity in its prosecution." 

The Report of the Board, 

presented by the Secretary, as well as that of the Field 
Secretary, which is made a part of this report, was as full 
and illuminating as these always have been. The Field 
Secretary's report bore witness, as had his previous ones, 
to his unflagging industry, his thorough acquaintance with 
the conditions, his broad sympathy with the workers, and 
his sound business judgment. We quote his final words : 
"The century we have entered upon ought to be the 
grandest missionary century since the Age of the Apostles. 
Indeed, it ought to surpass that age since the number of 
workers has increased and the opportunity for labor 
greatly widened." 

Address of Rev. H. M. Thompson, D.D. 

In the discussion of the reports many able addresses 
were given by several of the brethren, among whom were 
Rev. S. G. Hastings, Rev. F. E. Gates, Rev. Dr. Herr 
and missionaries from the field. The address of Pastor 
Thompson, because of its terseness in its way of putting 
things, is specially worthy of record here. We give this 
in full, instead of excerpts from them all. It may stand 
as a good representative of all the rest. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 189 

"We are now brought face to face with the real object 
of our gathering. We place as the caption to our pro- 
gram, 'The Baptist State Convention.' Were it not for 
the Convention the ministers would not have met in con- 
ference, the young people would not have discussed their 
work, the women would not have assembled to take a 
sweeping view of world-wide missions, the Education 
Society would not have presented its urgent appeals. All 
these are auxiliary, and because of our interest in these, 
and to economize time and money, we group them all 
with this main object, our State Convention. In all these 
varied ranges of thought, let not the one thing most need- 
ful be forgot. 

"There are people who, having made their deposit in a 
bank, feel such confidence in the official management that 
they take no more thought of their money. The churches 
that have sent you as their delegates are not of this sort. 
They expect you to look after their investments and 
inquire into methods of operation, if necessary to make 
kindly suggestions or criticisms as to the work. They 
look to you to bring back to them an accurate report of 
things said and done. And what word shall you take 
to them? 

"Tell them, first, that aided by them five nationalities 
have heard in their own tongue the wonderful works of 
God: Americans, Germans, Swedes, French and Italians. 
How earnestly we have desired to preach the Gospel to 
foreign peoples ! Through the work of the Convention 
this desire is gratified. 

"Tell them also that twenty-five preachers have been 
assisted in carrying on the work of Christ in needy fields. 
Most of these have toiled among the country towns 
where churches would be closed but for the aid rendered. 
Sometimes the query is sadly made concerning this or 
that church, 'Must it not be closed?' The Convention 
answers, 'Not yet, not yet.' While a stream of life is 
flowing towards our cities, the head waters must if pos- 
sible be purified by the sacred influences of Christianity. 



13 



190 HISTORY OF THE 

"Tell them also that through their assistance one hun- 
dred and thirty persons in these mission fields have put 
on Christ in baptism, having passed from death into life. 
Should any one say, 'Is not the sum of four thousand 
dollars a large outlay for so small results?' remind them 
that on the confines of Turkey a woman in Christ's ser- 
vice is in peril. It is said on all sides, Tf necessary, the 
ransom of one hundred and ten thousand dollars must be 
paid for her deliverance.' And this for one whose soul 
is in God's safe keeping! And shall we say that an 
average price of thirty dollars each is too large aid, in 
securing souls from the eternal consequences of sin? I 
think on this view of the case few churches will complain, 
especially in the light of their own small offerings." 

Chapel for the Italians in New Haven. 

An appeal was made for this object, and the imperative 
need for this was emphatically set forth. Such a chapel 
would cost at least $5,000. The people in New Haven 
would provide the greater part, but they desired the 
Convention to give $1,000. A special collection was at 
once taken amounting to $350. It will be seen later that 
the New Haven Italian mission eventually came into 
possession of a very valuable property, which it is now 
occupying. 

Concerning Various Papers and Reports. 

The reports of the various committees, and the special 
papers prepared and presented, excelled in number and 
ability those of any previous meeting of the Convention. 
Among these were : Rev. Henry Clarke's report on "The 
State of Religion," Rev. Dr. Hubbard's on "Bible-school 
Work," Deacon Rush P. Chapman's on "Christian Evan- 
gelization Necessary to Political Safety," Rev. P. S. 
Evans' on "The Success of State Work among the 
Foreigners an Incentive to Greater Effort," Rev. R. 
Maplesden's on "The Apathy Regarding State Missions, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 191 

its Cause and Cure." All of these left nothing unsaid 
that needed to be said to arouse enthusiasm in the work 
of the Convention. Every Baptist in the state should 
have read and pondered them. The substance of these 
papers had been uttered before, and has been repeated 
many times, but we fear their influence went little beyond 
the four walls of the building and the few people who 
heard them, in most cases to forget them. 

Summary of Work Done. 

Eighteen American churches and seven foreign 
churches had been aided to the amount of $2,307. Five 
missionaries, four Italian and one French, had been kept 
in the field, at a cost of $2,365. The aided churches had 
returned in benevolence $1,160, and had spent on their 
own fields $17,024. Number of baptisms from all these 
fields, 134. Direct contributions to the treasury of the 
Convention, $7,677. 

1902. The seventy-ninth annual meeting was held with 
the First church, Hartford, Rev. Harold Patti- 
son, pastor. Mr. Carnot O. Spencer was President, Rev. 
P. S. Evans, Secretary, and Mr. W. F. Walker, Treas- 
urer. 

Address of Welcome. 

After speaking felicitious words of welcome to the 
church and the city, Pastor Pattison said in part: "An 
assembly like this, composed of delegates from Baptist 
churches, has no authority ecclesiastical or otherwise. It 
has only influence. Only influence ! In the marriage ser- 
vice the man alone is given authority; the wife has only 
influence. Every married man here knows how that 
struggle has been settled. Authority can be exerted apart 
from character and fitness; not so with influence. Those 
who have possessed the greatest authority have wielded 
their influence with far greater effect. We can forego 



192 HISTORY OF THE 

the trappings and precedents of authority, so long as we 
hold fast that without which all authority is as salt which 
has lost its savor, namely, influence. We welcome you 
then as you come to prove your right to be. All that 
would impair the influence of our gathering is not wel- 
comed. If we come, as we surely do, to make reports that 
are not merely traditional, to appoint committees that are 
not merely ornamental, to listen to speakers who have 
for us some message of life, to lay plans that shall with 
fidelity and sacrifice be brought to pass, to cement friend- 
ships that shall not be broken, then welcome, thrice wel- 
come to the Connecticut Baptist Convention." 

The Part of the First Church in the Convention. 

President Spencer, himself a member of this church, 
made appropriate reference to the prominent part taken 
in the activities of the Convention by the members of 
the First Baptist church: 

"Of the fourteen names that appear in the Act of In- 
corporation, three, Rev. Elisha Cushman, Sr., and 
Deacons Joseph B. Gilbert and Jeremiah Brown were 
those of members here. The church entertained the Con- 
vention at its first meeting in 1823. Rev. Dr. Turnbull, 
for twenty-five years pastor here, afterwards served as 
Secretary and Superintendent of Missions for five years. 
Rev. Elisha Cushman, Jr., served as Secretary for twenty- 
five years, and as editor of the Christian Secretary did 
most valuable service. Rev. A. J. Sage, D.D., a former 
pastor, also W. S. Bronson, were of our number." I add 
to these the honored name of James L. Howard, who had 
been for six years President, and for thirty-two years a 
Trustee. 

The Report of the Board. 

We give but brief extracts from the reports of the 
Secretary and the Field Secretary: 

"The first meeting of the Convention was held with 
this church in 1823. Seventeen times the Convention has 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 193 

met in this city, though not always with this church. The 
earliest available minutes of the Convention are for the 
year 1830. That meeting was held in Mansfield. The 
President was Rev. Rufus Babcock, pastor of North 
Colebrook church, then a flourishing church but now hav- 
ing but seven names on its roll. There were at that 
time 65 churches in the state, with a membership of 
8,200. Yet 694 baptisms were reported, only 47 less 
than reported this year from 142 churches, with a mem- 
bership of 25,000. Did the same proportion hold today, 
we should report 1,800 baptisms." 

At the April meeting of the Board Rev. C. A. Piddock 
tendered his resignation as Field Secretary, to take effect 
September 1. The Board reluctantly accepted it and ap- 
pointed a committee of seven, one from each association, 
with President Spencer as Chairman, to seek a successor. 
The committee made its final report at a special meeting 
held in Bristol, September 16. The members were 
unanimous in recommending Rev. Frank H. Divine. 
After full discussion and the reading of letters from 
those who had known of the good work done by Brother 
Divine the Board unanimously approved of the recom- 
mendation and he was chosen to the position of Field 
Secretary. The Secretary notified Mr. Divine of his ap- 
pointment and received his acceptance. 

Report of the Field Secretary. 

This the last report which Rev. C. A. Piddock pre- 
sented, like the seven preceding ones, gives ample proof 
of his efficient administration of his office. He gives a 
graphic review of all the churches and missions aided by 
the Convention, which he had personally visited, some 
of them several times. His report all along the lines 
showed an encouraging condition of things. The only 
dark shadow on the picture was the serious betrayal of 
our interests in Bridgeport by Mr. C. Ceretta, the mis- 
sionary to the Italians, who had renounced our service 
and connected himself with another denomination. As a 



194 HISTORY OF THE 

consequence our work in that city for the Italians had 
been discontinued. Mr. Piddock's report closes as fol- 
lows: "I came to Middletown in 1880, a young man 
thirty-one years of age. During my pastorate there, and 
the eight years I have been Superintendent of Missions, 
and the nearly nine years I was editor of the Christian 
Secretary, I have endeavored to identify myself actively 
with all branches of Christian effort in Connecticut. Last 
April I requested the Board to release me and to appoint 
a successor. The Board has chosen Rev. F. H. Divine. 
I bespeak for him the cordial support and sympathy that 
have been so generously accorded me through all these 
years." 

Church Building and Enlargement. 

In his report the Secretary mentioned several items 
of interest in church building and enlargement, and re- 
moval of debt. The chapel in Winsted had been enlarged 
for the accommodation of its increasing Bible-school and 
congregation. The First church in New London had 
spent a generous sum in beautifying its house of worship 
and securing better facilities for its growing work. The 
East Washington Avenue church in Bridgeport, hence- 
forth to be known as the Second Bridgeport, had sold 
its edifice and was engaged in building a new and com- 
modious house, the cost of which was nearly all provided 
for. The Second Danbury was nearly, if not altogether, 
relieved from the burden of its heavy debt. The Hope 
church of New Haven had been reunited to the old his- 
toric First, and arrangements were being made to build 
a large edifice in the northern part of the city. The 
Immanuel church of New Haven was completing an en- 
largement of its house of worship, of which the pastor, 
Rev. A. Clayton Powell, says: "The building will be a 
monument to the Baptists." This was the largest church 
among our colored brethren. The sums of money spent 
in all these enterprises, many times in excess of that given 
in direct offerings to the Convention, indicated a gratify- 
ing advance in our denominational strength. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 195 
General Discussion. 

On the various reports presented many interesting 
addreses were made by the pastors and representative 
workers from the different mission fields. Rev. G. W. 
Nicholson closed a strong report on "The State of Re- 
ligion in the Churches" with the following practical sug- 
gestions: "Your committee recommends that there be 
greater attention paid, 

First, to the children and youth. We deem this to be 
vital because it is God's method, and we have too often 
failed to lay hold of these jewels while they have been 
within our grasp. Our Field Secretary should urge this 
as he goes over the state, and establish Bible-schools 
wherever possible. 

"Second, that special attention be given to the after- 
meetings on Sunday evenings for hauling the net. No 
preacher should deliver the Lord's message without the 
hope of saving one soul at least. 

"Third, that plans be laid for religious work, especial- 
ly along evangelistic lines, under the direction and super- 
vision of the Field Secretary, assisted by neighboring 
pastors. 

"Fourth, that special attention be given to the legiti- 
mate and pressing demands of our English-speaking 
churches, whom we have too largely neglected the last 
few years in our anxiety over our foreign brethren. Not 
less for the foreigners, but more for our own. 

"Fifth, that our foreign brethren establish an English- 
speaking department in their Bible-schools for the benefit 
of their children and youth. Only thus can they hope to 
retain these youth in their churches." 

The New Superintendent of Missions. 

After being introduced by the President, Mr. Divine 
made an address denning his views of the work to be 
done and his own relations to it. "We are Baptists of 
necessity, or we are of no special value to the denomi- 



196 HISTORY OF THE 

nation. We have still an important mission in the world. 
The State Mission is needed to hold what is already 
gained and to go forth and possess the whole state for 
Christ. The Secretary of the Convention is not to be a 
professional collector of money; he is to show that it is 
possible to make an investment that shall produce sixty 
to one hundred fold for the glory of God. There needs 
to be a readjustment, not less for education but more 
for the souls of men. We need a vision of higher things 
to lead us to nobler service. I come to you longing to do 
all in my power to make that vision real." He made a 
very favorable impression and received a most cordial 
welcome. 

A Tribute to Hon. James W . Manning. 

At the semi-annual meeting of the Board a committee 
of three: Rev. G. M. Stone, D.D., Rev. C. A. Piddock 
and Rev. H. M. Wolf, Jr., was appointed to prepare a 
tribute to the memory of Mr. Manning. That commit- 
tee reported as follows : 

"Whereas, This Board is deeply conscious of the great 
loss it has sustained in the death of one of its most 
venerable and honored members, Deacon James W. 
Manning of Putnam, therefore, 

"Resolved, That we cause to be placed upon the re- 
cords of the Board for future memorial our estimate of 
his character and usefulness. Deacon Manning had 
earned the good will and high esteem in which he was 
held by his own church and community and beyond, in the 
large sphere of the civil life of the state, by a long career 
of honest and upright dealing and uniform kindness of 
spirit. His temperament was calm and judicial, added 
to which were mental capacities which gave him such 
poise and judgment as to render him one of the wisest 
of counsellors. 

"His connection with this Board is of long standing. 
The value of his presence and advice in critical periods 
through which it has passed it would be difficult justly to 
appraise. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 197 

lk He will be sadly missed at our annual and other 
gatherings. Rarely has there been among us a removal 
which could more fitly justify the psalmist's prayer: 
'Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful 
fail from among the children of men.' 

"A recent summary of his life-work says: 'The earth- 
ly life of this good man ended March 24, a few days 
after his eightieth birthday. For more than forty years 
he was Town Clerk of Putnam. He several times repre- 
sented that town in the Legislature, and for one term 
was State Comptroller. The universal respect in which 
he was held in his own town was shown by the closing of 
all stores, including saloons, during the funeral exercises 
in his home. Memorial services were subsequently held 
in the Baptist church, in which the deceased was the 
senior deacon, and numerous bodies of which he was a 
member passed resolutions of respect for his memory.' 

"The Convention Board extends to the bereaved 
family its sympathy in the shadow which has fallen upon 
their home, and requests the clerk to forward to them 
a copy of this memorial record." 

Summary of the Year s Work. 

Five missionaries had been in the field, one French and 
four Italian. Twenty-eight churches had been aided, six 
foreign and twenty-two English-speaking, all at an 
expense of $3,732. The baptisms from these fields were 
seventy-five. The Treasurer had received $5,802, and 
reported a debt of $1,217. 

1903. The eightieth annual meeting was held with the 
Grand Avenue church, New Haven, October 20 
and 21. Mr. Carnot O. Spencer was reelected President 
and William F. Walker, Treasurer. At the January 
meeting of the Board Rev. P. S. Evans, who for sixteen 
years had filled the office of Secretary, asked to be 
relieved from his duties. He thought, and believed the 
Board thought with him, that the best interests of the 



198 HISTORY OF THE 

Convention required that the office of Secretary should 
be united with that of Superintendent of Missions. The 
Board acquiescing in this view appointed Rev. F. H. 
Divine to the office until the meeting of the Convention. 
At this meeting Rev. F. H. Divine was elected Secretary. 

Words of Welcome. 

In his welcoming address the pastor of the church, 
Rev. E. W. Stone, said in part: "We welcome you not- 
withstanding the fact that we were not rash enough to 
invite you, and have been not a little frightened at the 
thought of your coming. Flad we not received orders 
from the powers that be, and been given generous 
promise of aid by our brethren of sister churches in this 
city, which promise has been royally kept, we could not 
have undertaken to entertain you. . . . We have 
abundant reason to esteem you highly in love. Born in 
1871, in a little hall not far from here, the Grand Avenue 
church was a feeble child, and the trials of its early days 
threatened its very existence. But the Lord, through the 
Convention, said 'Let the child live;' and it has lived, and 
is going to live." 

Address of President Spencer. 

After fittingly responding to the pastor's welcome, Mr. 
Spencer urged a change of the corporate name of the 
Convention to one which would more clearly denote the 
object of its existence. "The mere name, Convention, is 
not expressive of its character. It is true that the consti- 
tution sets it forth, but the name is ambiguous and mis- 
leading, and does not appeal to the average person. Our 
brethren in other states have recognized this and, as in 
the case of the New York Convention, have changed the 
name to the 'State Missionary Society.' Why not at least 
insert the word 'missionary,' and style ourselves 'The 
Connecticut Baptist Missionary Convention?' ' 

After a full presentation of the needs of the Conven- 
tion the President bore this testimony to the 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 199 

Faithful Work of the New Superintendent. 

"He entered upon his duties one year ago under dif- 
ficulties which a man of less faith and energy would have 
found it hard to surmount. He has labored hopefully 
and courageously. Some of the fruits of his labors have 
been been manifested in the toning up and strengthening 
of the smaller churches, in the straightening out of the 
entanglements in the missions, in the increased interest of 
the membership of the churches in the work of the Con- 
vention, in the raising by subscription of over $2,000 to 
pay the debt, and in the good results from his faithful 
preaching of the word." 

Report of the Board. 

This was read by Rev. F. H. Divine. It contained a 
fraternal and appreciative reference to the sixteen years' 
service of Rev. P. S. Evans as Secretary, including eight 
years as Superintendent of Missions. There was also a 
series of resolutions, adopted by the Executive Committee 
at its June meeting, complimentary to the retiring Secre- 
tary. 

The Superintendent had spent eight weeks in Evangel- 
istic work in Willimantic, Torrington, Stafford and First 
Waterford. "These efforts have been interrupted by 
necessary absence on Sundays and by other matters 
requiring immediate attention. Though some have been 
baptized as the result of these labors, it has been fully 
demonstrated that it is physically impossible for a man to 
be Superintendent of Missions and do useful evangelistic 
work at the same time." 

Canton Church Redtvivus. 

The most encouraging report was from the Canton 
church. "Until last March this, the only church in the 
community, had an enrollment of five, only one of whom 
could attend church. In March the Board sent Rev. C. 
H. Peckham to the help of Pastor Higgins, with the most 
delightful results. The church now has thirty-one active 



200 HISTORY OF THE 

members. The sum of three hundred dollars has been 
spent in needed improvements." 

Foreign-speaking Churches. 

"The German church in Waterbury did not build in the 
best neighborhood for its work. It has sold its house of 
worship and purposes building elsewhere." 

"The French mission in Putnam and Danielson is still 
under the care of Brother Tetrault. We wish to declare 
our unfailing confidence in these brethren's devotion and 
piety. All work undertaken among the Romanists is 
difficult. It needs long patience and heaven-directed 
wisdom. Inflammatory addresses and tracts arouse hatred 
and cut off opportunity." 

"Hartford is justly proud of its Italian mission. 
Brother A. Roca was ordained in May. He is an edu- 
cated man, a true man. The Hartford Baptist Union 
supports this mission. In New Haven, under A. di Dom- 
enica, a fine body of young men is being gathered into 
the kingdom, a Bible-school established, and a campaign 
started for a building fund. In Stamford, where the work 
for the Italians first began, we have had a painful ex- 
perience with the missionary, Pasqual De Carlo, who for 
several years had been so trusted and honored. Dis- 
missed for cause from the service of the Convention, he 
accepted service under the Congregational State Board, 
induced a portion of his church to join him, and is en- 
deavoring to get possession of the property they occupy. 
The Board has sent Rev. V. di Domenica to occupy the 
field. The little band that remained faithful are wor- 
shiping in a hall and two have since been baptized."* 

Evangelism. 

Through the courtesy of the brethren the evening ses- 
sion was held in the Methodist Episcopal church. The 
session was devoted to a discussion on evangelistic work. 

* The future record will show that the breach has been healed. The church prop- 
erty has been made over to the Convention; and the Italian mission in Stamford is again 
prosperous. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 201 

In his report the Secretary had made an earnest plea 
for this work and the means to carry it on. Rev. R. A. 
Ashworth of Meriden presented a very suggestive and 
able paper, ending with six vital resolutions looking to 
the carrying out of what was shown to be the earnest 
desire and prayer of all the brethren. It was such a 
paper as should have been freely distributed through ail 
the churches. Rev. A. W. Bourne, D.D., of Glovers- 
ville, N. Y., deepened still further the impression made 
by his practical and fervent address on "The Evangelism 
we Need, and how to Secure it." 

All this shortly bore fruit in the evangelistic campaigns 
which were so prominent a feature in the labors of 
Brother Divine and his able assistants. 

The report on Bible-school work, prepared by Rev. 
F. G. McKeever, was quite outside the usual conventional 
lines and very effective. The report of the Historical 
Committee, presented by Rev. T. A. T. Hanna, was re- 
plete with interest, giving much information concerning 
the early Baptist history of the state. It is with deep 
regret that we omit these reports, but they do not easily 
lend themselves to condensation. This eightieth annual 
meeting of the Convention, the first prepared for by Mr. 
Divine, was remarkable for the number, variety and 
ability of the speeches and addresses, and for the 
enthusiasm awakened. 

1904. The eighty-first annual meeting was held with the 
Central church, Norwich, Rev. P. C. Wright, 
pastor. The offices of President, Secretary and Treasurer 
remained unchanged. The customary words of welcome 
were spoken by the pastor and replied to by the Presi- 
dent. 

Address of the President. 

"The year just passed has been a prosperous one in 
our work. The few months of evangelistic effort have 
been fruitful in results. We have reason to be profound- 



202 HISTORY OF THE 

ly grateful, and to take courage for the future. Much 
more might have been accomplished with more ample 
means at our disposal. Our small permanent fund is not 
at all commensurate with our needs. The table which I 
present will show how our state stands in comparison with 
the other New England States. 



States Churches 


Membership 


Permanent Fund 


Maine, 246 


20,049 


$149,364 


Massachusetts, 340 


77,288 


420,594 


New Hampshire, 88 


9,865 


117,268 


Rhode Island, 78 


14,246 


57,482 


Vermont, 94 


8,324 


97,960 


Connecticut, 145 


25,365 


11,900 



"The first four of these states received large bequests 
from the late Daniel Sharp Ford of Boston, which have 
been the means of putting new life into their work, and 
large results have followed. With a permanent fund of 
$100,000 your Board could plan a certain amount of 
work each year. Depending solely upon the fluctuating 
contributions of the churches, the management is often 
taxed to know what to undertake. . . The evident 
blessing of God during the past year encourages us to 
attempt more and expect more in the future. The whole 
fruitage of these labors has not yet been gathered. There 
were 142 baptisms in our aided churches and missions. 
Following the evangelistic labors of your missionary 
helpers in other churches, 80 more have been baptized, 
making 232, more than one-quarter of all that have been 
received into all the churches." 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

This report, though none too strong for its purpose, 
occupies sixteen pages in the printed minutes. The dif- 
ficulty of selecting the most significant portions is ap- 
parent. "Early in January we were called to part with 
one of the most honored and useful members of the 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 203 

Board, who had served long and faithfully as President 
and Trustee of this body; and in the wider fields of de- 
nominational enterprise and the offices of the state, he had 
made himself a power for all that makes for human bet- 
terment — the Honorable Francis Wayland, LL.D. At 
the January meeting of the Executive Committee the fol- 
lowing minute was adopted: 

"Tribute to the Hon. Francis Wayland, LL.D. 

"Our brother and fellow-worker in the Lord having in 
God's grace finished his earthly career on the ninth day 
of January, 1904, we, the Executive Committee of the 
Connecticut Baptist Convention, desire to place on our 
records a testimonial of the high esteem in which we held 
our brother, and of our appreciation of the service he 
rendered to the cause of Christ by his connection with the 
Convention. 

"Recognizing, as we do, the native ability which was in- 
herited, the culture which was acquired, the personal 
qualifications which led to his recognition as a wise coun- 
sellor in widely varying fields of operation, we rejoice 
that in mid-life Doctor Wayland submitted himself to 
the authority of the Son of God, his strong nature bowing 
at the feet of our Lord in that spirit of a child, without 
which a man cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 

"Since February 26, 1882, the day when Dr. Wayland 
confessed in baptism his faith in our risen Lord, his heart 
has been in the cause of Christ. He was faithful to the 
interests of the local church. He responded to the Con- 
vention's need of his counsel. He was elected a member 
of the Board of Trustees in 1883, and continued in that 
capacity until his death. He was President of the Con- 
vention from 1886 to 1896. He was a moving spirit 
in the organization of the Baptist Social Union, and 
served as its President. 

"Dr. Wayland's interest in the work of the Convention 
was unfailing, even when a multiplicity of other interests, 
and increase of years, and ill-health prevented personal 



204 HISTORY OF THE 

attendance upon the meetings. We shall miss him, but we 
thank God for him. A strong leader of men has fallen. 

"These minutes shall be spread upon the records of the 
Board, and a copy be sent to Mrs. Wayland." 

This was signed by H. M. Thompson and G. W. 
Nicholson, Committee. 

The report of the Board contained a general review of 
all the fields, which was full of encouragement, especially 
as regarded the Swedish and Italian work. 

The New Britain Swedes. 

Regarding this interest the Secretary makes this not- 
able record: "Rev. J. E. Klingberg is leading this people 
in a conquering fashion. They have paid $1,000 on 
their debt. Out of the generosity and tenderheartedness 
of the pastor and his wife, early in the year they took into 
their home two homeless children. This seems to be 
God's way of laying the foundation for a noble philan- 
thropic work. From that beginning has come the 
establishment of a children's home. A house has been 
rented, help employed, and the funds provided, until the 
needs of a large number of children are supplied. This 
is one of New Britain's institutions. Pastor Klingberg's 
eyes and heart were opened to see and feel the need; 
prayer and faith have furnished the mans." 

Willing Helpers. 

The Bible-schools had been cooperating in the sup- 
port of a Bible-school worker. The young people's 
societies of the state had taken upon themselves to help 
in the support of the work among the foreigners, choos- 
ing some special field at the suggestion of the Superinten- 
dent. The report made an earnest plea for the Women's 
Missionary Societies to add to their other work a care for 
the missionary interests of the state. 

Ways and Means. 

Notwithstanding the enthusiasm that prevailed at the 
last meeting of the Convention, there had been a falling 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 205 

off in the receipts. On the other hand there had been 
a notable addition to the permanent fund. There had 
been received a legacy of $10,000 from Levi A. Hall of 
Mansfield, a trust fund of $5,000 from A. E. and H. T. 
Westcott of Danielson for the benefit of the East Kill- 
ingly church, an annunity from the same parties of 
$5,000 for the general purposes of the Convention, and 
an annuity from Miss Helen Beebe of $1,000. 

A very pleasant surprise had come to the President in 
the receipt of an anonymous letter containing a New 
York draft for $250 for the use of the Convention. We 
find in the report a warm expression of gratitude to the 
Home Mission Society, which in collaboration with the 
Convention in its work for the foreigners had expended 
within the state almost as much as it had received from 
all the churches of the state. 

The General Doings of the Convention. 

In the discussion on the report of the Board, when it 
was found that the current expenses exceeded the receipts 
by $1,800, Rev. G. W. Nicholson made an earnest plea 
for the raising of the deficit, and the sum of $1,997 was 
paid in or pledged, more than enough to provide for the 
debt. 

Work for the Bible-schools. 

The entire evening session of Tuesday was taken up in 
the discussion of this fruitful theme. Rev. W. F. Row- 
ley of Middletown presented an exhaustive report, oc- 
cupying seven pages in the minutes, on the necessity and 
fruitfulness of work expended in this enterprise. The 
main thesis of the paper was thus stated by the author: 
"To put it in a word, the mission of the Bible-school is 
to gather all, to save all, and to instruct all." This thesis 
was enforced and illustrated from the Scriptures and 
from the experience of the church. Rev. Henry Clarke 
followed in an address on the special topic, "The Search 



14 



206 HISTORY OF THE 

for the Child," and Rev. T. Edwin Brown, D.D., dis- 
cussed the theme, "Teaching Christian Morals in the 
Bible-school." 

Report on Evangelistic Work. 

This report was given by Rev. R. A. Ashworth. It 
presented a phase of the subject that is not often con- 
sidered in addresses on evangelism. "Out of the 145 
churches in the state 59 have held a series of special meet- 
ings, besides their regular meetings. All of these services, 
we may safely say, were pervaded more or less with 
evangelistic endeavor and fervor. There has been an 
extensive exchange of pastoral service, and professional 
evangelists have done a good work among our churches. 
But we hesitate lest the impression be conveyed that 
evangelism is synonymous with this form of Christian 
effort. It is quite possible that some churches that have 
held no such meetings this year have been far more 
distinguished for the possession of the evangelistic im- 
pulse than some others that have been most active in this 
direction. 

"Revival meetings, so-called, may become a bane and 
not a blessing to the church which holds them. Evangel- 
ism is not a method but a spirit. When it is not the 
natural expression of a spiritual life in the church, that 
can win the respect of a community, such a revival meet- 
ing would be a hindrance rather than a help to the exten- 
sion of the Kingdom. Keep the church fires going all 
the time at an equable temperature, sufficient to warm, 
though not scorch. This is better than to draw or bank 
the fires for nine months of the year, and then to run 
them under forced draft for the remainder. Evangelism 
is the supreme business of the church for fifty-two weeks 
in the year. Let the church remember that it cannot stand 
at a distance and save the world through a speaking trum- 
pet. Pulpit preaching is not all. It is hand-to-hand, face-to- 
face methods that prevail. When the Romans shortened 
their swords they conquered the world. Then each man 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 207 

picked his man, and war became duelling on a vast scale. 
Only when every Christian becomes an evangelist will the 
world be converted." 

1905. The annual meeting this year was held with the 
Main Street church, Meriden, Rev. A. E. Harris, 
pastor. There was no change made in the three principal 
officers. The minutes alone of this meeting of the Con- 
vention occupy fifty-five pages. 

Address of the President. 

None of the presidents of the Convention ever took 
more pains in preparing their opening addresses than 
did Mr. Spencer. In saying this we understate the truth. 
Only the narrow limits of this volume prevent our giving 
this address in its entirety. 

"The most perplexing question that the Board has to 
deal with is that of the finances. The contributions from 
the churches are inadequate to provide for our necessities. 
I have been interested in comparing the amount of contri- 
butions by the churches within the several associations, 
with the amount expended in the same territory. The 
figures are taken from the Annual of 1904. It is found 
that the cost of work exceeds the contributions in two of 
the associations : in the Ashford, by $253, and in the New 
Haven, by $1,187. The contributions exceed the cost in 
four associations: in the Fairfield, by $80, in the Hart- 
ford, by $225, in the New London, by $129, and in the 
Stonington Union, by $417. In the six associations the 
cost exceeds the contributions by $629. In this cost no 
account is taken of salaries paid to the Superintendent and 
the general workers, nor of the necessary incidental 
expenses. Also in the contributions only the sums sent 
directly from the churches are reckoned. 

In the last three years the following gains have been 
made: $12,050 to the Permanent Fund, $10,000 to the 
Trust Funds, and $7,000 to the Annuity Funds, making 
$29,050 in all. David G. Porter of Waterbury, a mem- 



208 HISTORY OF THE 

ber of the First church in that place, after leaving the 
larger part of his estate to found a training-school in 
that city, has bequeathed $5,000 each to the First and 
Second Baptist churches in Waterbury, and $1,000 each 
to the Swedish and the Italian interests in the same city." 

Report of the Board. 

The condition of the German and French missions was 
reported as favorable. Much attention was given to 

Work Among the Swedes. 

Of this work the Secretary writes: "Activity, devotion 
and progress are ever the order with our Swedish breth- 
ren. In devotion to their religious profession, loyalty 
to denominational convictions, aggressiveness, thrift and 
sacrifice for Christ, they give evidence of the rugged life 
of the fatherland and a beautiful example to most modern 
Christians. The Meriden church is delighted with its 
efforts at self-support. The New Haven church is united 
and progressive after its experience of the last four years. 
The new Swedish church in Springfield, Massachusetts, 
is the result of mission work done by Rev. John Friborg 
of Hartford. Of the New Britain church we may say 
every department is prospering. The wonderful doings 
of God in answer to the pastor's prayers and plans, in 
the Children's Home that he is carrying on, are as strange 
as fancy, as soul-stirring as deepest pathos, as real as 
God. The church in Waterbury has been organized 
within the year, with a membership of fifty-seven. In 
July it dedicated its house of worship, or rather the 
ground floor of it, which alone is finished. The story of 
this people's achievement is inspiring." 

Work Among the Italians. 

"The year has been with them one of steady advance, 
under the abundant labors of five loyal and devoted men. 
Rev. A. Roca has pushed the work in Hartford with 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 209 

wisdom and vigor. Rev. A. di Domenica has had a year 
of excellent progress in New Haven. This church is just 
coming into possession of a property in New Haven 
which has been secured on very easy terms and which will 
be admirably adapted to its needs. In Stamford, Rev. 
V. di Domenica, pastor, the record for the year seems 
like a dream. The few that remained faithful at the 
time of the defection of Da Carlo are again reinstated in 
their pleasant church home, and this by no process of law, 
but the part of the old church that had been occupying it 
has of its own accord come back to the Baptist fold." 

The evangelistic work had been prosecuted with suc- 
cess. The Superintendent, with Rev. A. E. Baker and 
Mr. Warren O. Barnes with his colporteur wagon, had 
constituted all the available force for this work. Yet a 
large amount of labor had been performed in many 
fields. Some of the visible results were fifty-seven bap- 
tisms from the work of the Superintendent, and one hun- 
dred and forty-nine from the efforts of Brother Baker. 

Suggestion to Bond the Treasurer. 

The report closed with several valuable suggestions. 
One of these, in view of the great impending disaster, the 
defalcation of the Treasurer, was of special significance, 
disclosing as it did an apprehension, which at least the 
Secretary felt, that the treasury had not been sufficiently 
safeguarded. The suggestion was as follows: "The 
work of the Treasurer requires much time, labor, wisdom 
and responsibility, all of which is being asked of, and 
cheerfully rendered by, a very busy man. A hearty vote 
of thanks is due our Treasurer. If it is not yet time, may 
the time soon come when the office of Treasurer shall 
be a bonded office, with compensation enough to pay all 
costs and provide necessary clerical service." Had the 
Board of Trustees shared fully with the Secretary in the 
misgivings and reluctant fears, which the writer knows 
Mr. Divine had felt for some time, they would have 
determined that the time for such action had already fully 



210 HISTORY OF THE 

come. Possibly the disaster, then eighteen months in 
the future, might either have been wholly averted or 
greatly mitigated. 

Report on the State of Religion. 

This report, made by Rev. W. G. Thomas of Essex, 
disclosed that the number of baptisms was in excess of 
that of any other year for four years, totalling 1,137. 
This increase was mostly traceable to the labors of the 
Secretary and the State Evangelist. While it was not the 
same churches that reported baptisms each year, yet the 
percentage of churches thus reporting had been almost 
precisely the same for the last five years. The report 
was able, stimulating, optimistic and abounding in terse 
and vigorous sentences. "A dry baptistry and a lessened 
membership is a lot no servant of God craves." u No 
note of censure can come from this committee upon those 
who have toiled all night and caught nothing. , ' "Let 
every pulpit be pitched in the shadow of the cross, and 
every pew be facing the crucified Christ." "Let there be 
no discouragement, knowing that God has never promised 
to use a discouraged man, much less a discouraged 
church." 

Bible-school Interests. 

The evening of Tuesday was given up to the interests 
of the Bible-schools. Rev. Dr. Johnstone of New York 
gave an address, and he was followed by Rev. Dr. Sey- 
mour, of the Publication Society, on the "Need of Ag- 
gressive Bible-school Activity." Then Mr. Giles Potter 
presented the report of the committee on Bible-school 
work. This report was unusually thorough and business- 
like, owing to the fact that it had been entrusted to a man 
who had been employed by the state for many years in 
examining and reporting on the public schools. A series of 
questions addressed to the different departments of the 
schools, superintendents, teachers and scholars, had been 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 211 

sent to thirty schools. The reason given by scholars for 
liking to attend the schools were such as these: "Duty," 
"Because I enjoy learning the lessons," "It helps me 
through the week," "To study God's word," "Because of 
habit," "I was brought up to it." The report adds : "It is 
noticeable that not one gives as a reason that they have 
social times, picnics and other amusements. These things 
are not objectionable, but they should never be allowed 
to interfere with the proper work of the school, or to 
form its chief attraction. A manufacturer of an inferior 
grade of cloth, on being asked if the stock used was pure 
wool replied, 'We have to card in some cotton to hold the 
wool together. The fibre of our wool is short.' If the 
instruction of the Bible-school is shoddy, amusements and 
many things foreign to the purpose of the school may 
seem to be necessary to hold the school together." 

Home and Foreign Missions. 

This report was prepared by Rev. Harold Pattison. 
It was based on replies sent by pastors to a set of ques- 
tions. Of the 120 pastors written to only 75 took the 
trouble to reply. Yet these replies are sufficiently repre- 
sentative. 

1. The first question was, "In your church to which 
is most attention given, Home, or Foreign Missions?" 
The answers indicated that equal attention was given to 
both. The report endorsed this attitude, but suggested 
that, as the Foreign field is more remote and less under- 
stood it should be given the greater emphasis. 

2. The second question was, "What is your method 
of taking offerings, and what improvement can you sug- 
gest?" Every method seemed to be in use, but the 
uniform testimony of the pastors was that the weekly 
offering is the best. The writer of the report agreed 
with this opinion, but urged the importance of frequent 
appeals from the pulpit, pastoral letters, abundant circu- 
lation of missionary intelligence and study classes. 

3. "Is the amount of these offerings increasing, or 
diminishing?" was the third question. While many re- 



212 HISTORY OF THE 

ported a decrease the majority reported increase both of 
giving and of interest. In nearly all cases, however, the 
giving was by a minority of the members. 

4. "Do you have a monthly or other regular mission- 
ary meeting for the church?" In all the state, so far as 
heard from, only thirteen churches had a monthly mis- 
sionary meeting, though nearly all had women's or young 
people's missionary meetings. The report strongly urged 
meetings in all the churches for the whole church. 

5. "How frequently do you preach on these sub- 
jects?" The general answers were: "Just before the 
offering is taken." "As the spirit moves me." "As I 
feel like it." Some said, "The pastor preaches missionary 
sermons twice every Sunday, because in every sermon 
he makes general allusions." The writer of the report 
suggested that the word properly used would be halluci- 
nation rather than allusion. 

6. "Is any member of your church laboring under the 
auspices of either the Foreign or the Home Mission 
Society?" Six names of workers on the Foreign field 
were given. 

7. "Have you tried having your own representative 
on the field, supporting him wholly or in part?" Only 
two churches were reported as furnishing the entire sup- 
port of a missionary, but a few others had a part interest 
in some one missionary. 

8. "Please mention what in your experience has been 
found valuable in arousing and maintaining interest in 
missions." Some of the answers to this question were 
flippant, but others were given seriously, making very 
good suggestions: "Train the children." "Keep at it; 
that is all." "A real live missionary beats everything else 
with us." 

Summary of Work. 

Seven Italian missionaries had been under employment 
this year, at a cost to the Convention of $2,334. The 
Home Mission Society had contributed in addition 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 213 

$2,214. No French missionary had been on the field 
this year. Four Swedish and one German missionary 
had been in the service, and twenty-two churches had 
received aid, at a cost in all, besides the Italian work, of 
$2,380. The Treasurer reported receipts from all 
sources, besides interest and loans, $9,974.79; from 
legacies, annuities and trust funds, $17,043.57; from 
interest, $1,814.47 ; in all, $28,832.83. 

1906. The eighty-third annual meeting of the Conven- 
tion was held with the South Norwalk church, 
Rev. H. B. Carpenter, pastor. After cordial words of 
welcome had been spoken by the pastor, President Spencer 
said: "This is the first time the Convention has met 
with this church. The church was received into the Con- 
vention in 1862. The hand of fellowship was extended 
to the pastor, Rev. W. T. Fagan, by Rev. J. P. Brow r n, 
then President. This veteran in the ministry is still living 
and present with us today. From a membership of 
seventy you have nearly reached the four hundred mark. 
I am pleased to note that during the last year you have 
received large accessions, and have enjoyed the labors 
of one of the Convention evangelists. Thus you recog- 
nize the agency of the Convention in the ingathering of 
souls." 

President Spencer's Words to the Convention. 

As Mr. Spencer positively declined a reelection, this 
was the last of the able addresses that were a distinguish- 
ing feature during his incumbency of the office of Presi- 
dent. We can give it only in part: 

"The Convention meets today under most flattering 
auspices. The success that has attended the labors of our 
workers in the field encourages us and calls for gratitude 
to God for his signal blessings. With additional helpers 
for our evangelistic and mission work, we may look for 
larger results in the year to come. Our Home Mission 
Society, recognizing the changed conditions in our East- 



214 HISTORY OF THE 

ern States, is heartily cooperating with us in our work. 
The churches are not yet sufficiently awakened to their 
opportunities and responsibilities. We should enter into 
new fields in the larger towns, as we did in Winsted and 
Torrington, and that from no narrow sectarian motive 
but for the building up of the Kingdom." 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

As the work of the Board has increased and its spheres 
of activity multiplied, the reports have lengthened. Com- 
pelled to cull from them we may easily run the risk of 
omitting the best parts. This report began with an 
exceedingly hopeful note of joy and thanksgiving. This 
jubilant note was justified by the great enlargement of the 
work and resources during the last two years. So little 
could any one foresee the dire disaster that was so soon 
to follow. 

"Dear Brethren: Our report is a song of praise to 
God. The year has been abundant in labor, but God has 
been more abundant in the bestowment of blessing. With 
a strong conviction that the best is yet to be had, and that 
God is waiting to give us 'beyond all that we can ask or 
think,' we come simply to report progress, and to ask for 
further instructions, prayers and substantial support." 

Tribute to Hon. James L. Howard. 

"The Connecticut Baptist Convention, in kindly and 
grateful memory of its dearly beloved brother, the Hon- 
orable James Leland Howard, who passed from the 
earthly life to the heavenly on the first day of May, 1906, 
hereby places on its records this recognition of his ser- 
vices and character. 

"Brother Howard's official service to the Convention 
covered about thirty-nine years. He was elected Trustee 
in 1867, Vice-President in 1870, and President in 1871, 
to which office he was reelected annually until 1877, when 
he declined to serve longer in that position. He continued 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 215 

as Trustee and as a member of the Executive Committee 
until his decease. 

"Brother Howard's executive ability, business qualifica- 
tions, sound judgment, and tact made him a valuable 
member of the Board, while his uniform courtesy and 
brotherly love won for him the highest esteem of all, and 
his intense zeal and love for the cause of Christ, mani- 
fested in generous giving and loving service, inspired all. 

"Every department of Convention work, the feeble 
churches, the Bible-schools, evangelistic work, missions to 
the foreign-born, and chapel-building, all received his 
sympathy and aid. His preeminent interest, wise fore- 
sight, and zealous service were most conspicuous in the 
establishment of new missions and the organization of 
new churches. Many of these are silent monuments of 
his generalship and service. In the matters of the King- 
dom and the work of the Baptist denomination, in which 
he so fully believed and to which he was so loyal in all 
his liberality, Brother Howard was an expansionist. 

"No one can measure the weight of his influence upon 
the Convention and the work of the denomination in Con- 
necticut, during these long years of service. His loyalty 
to his Master was unquestioned, and was none the less 
because of his zeal for and devotion to the Baptist de- 
nomination. 

"His financial support of the Convention was constant 
and liberal, always welcoming and sharing in any forward 
movement, and often leading the way to prevent threat- 
ened deficits. He was a noble Christian gentleman. We 
miss his benign face, his wise counsels, and his kindly acts ; 
but we bless God that he lived, and that we have had the 
benefit of intercourse with such a life. We trust that the 
memory of his life may be an inspiration to faithful ser- 
vice in our denomination and the cause of Christ." 

Tribute to the Retiring President. 

We quote from the report: "Upon his own insistence 
President Spencer will retire after six years of self- 



216 HISTORY OF THE. 

sacrificing service. During his administration he has 
seen the work of the Convention doubled in its annual 
expenditure, largely increased in its working force, its 
trust funds multiplied by more than two, its permanent 
fund multiplied by seven when the Eunice Wood estate 
shall have been fully settled. He has freely given his 
best thought, time, strength and money, but now he finds 
a satisfying return in the more prosperous conditions 
that welcome his successor." 

A Providential Delay. 

Allusion has been made to the large legacy of nearly 
$40,000 left by Eunice Wood. This as the Secretary 
tells us, came from a stranger, one not a Baptist, and not 
personally known to any of the officers of the Convention. 
She was a resident of Ledyard, and a frequent attendant 
upon the little chapel there, which was kept open only 
intermittently. The gift was entirely unlooked for by 
anyone. There was a Providence in the gift, and just as 
marked a Providence in the delay. Had it been covered 
into the Treasury a few months sooner than it was, it 
would have been swallowed up in the defalcation. The 
payment was delayed until after the exposure of the em- 
bezzlement and, as a strong influence in restoring courage 
in the hearts of our people, made possible the splendid 
successes of the next year. 

The New Canaan Church. 

The report gave very encouraging accounts of the aided 
churches, both foreign and native. There were a few 
local shadows, but in general there was clear sunshine. 
The New Canaan church had had a very fluctuating his- 
tory for several years past. Good men had been pastors 
there, and frequently it had seemed apparent that its 
future was assured. Then trouble would show itself. 
Few as the brethren were, they could not dwell together 
in unity. For the last few years there had been no settled 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 217 

ministry. The report of the Board said: "A Mormon 
elder had obtained permission from the local committee 
to hold services in the chapel. This committee had also 
refused to open the chapel, when not otherwise used, 
to a little company of Italian Baptists. The deed of the 
property resting in the Convention, it was deemed best 
to dispose of it. It has been sold for $3,250, and the 
proceeds have been added to the Church Edifice Fund, 
where it may be used to better advantage in a more favor- 
able environment." 

A Return to First Principles. 

The Secretary in the report advocated the doing away 
of all auxiliary mission societies within the church. He 
said: u The ideal church will not be segregated on lines 
of age, sex or specific enthusiasms. One missionary 
organization is all that is good for any church. Its mem- 
bership should be the entire membership of the church; 
its object should be to gather from time to time, in order 
to consider in their turn all the interests in Christ's king- 
dom, and to direct its support in any number of directions 
as may seem needed." 

The position taken in the report has much to com- 
mend it. Many have felt, and many still feel, the dis- 
integrating influence in a church of a multitude of organi- 
zations, such as it has been difficult to articulate into the 
framework of the church. But it was a startling prop- 
osition, and so foreign to the practice of our churches 
that we are surprised that it passed the Board of Trustees 
without modification, .and still more surprised that it was 
not challenged by some of the delegates. But the rush 
of business makes deliberation on even so important a 
paper almost impossible. 

Evangelistic Forces. 

"Rev. A. F. Baker, who had done such excellent service 
among the churches was compelled to resign on Septem- 



218 HISTORY OF THE 

ber 1. A successor was found in the person of Rev. A. B. 
Coats, D.D. Since September 1 he has aided the Willing- 
ton and the two Cornwall churches. The need of a 
second evangelist who is especially gifted in song became 
so apparent that a few men and women heartily promised 
to be responsible for the salary of such a worker, whom 
we found in he person of Rev. C. K. Flanders. He also 
has been in service since September 1, and has already 
proved the wisdom of the enlargement of our working 
forces. Already the time of these brethren is fully 
promised till after the holidays. We only require that 
each church aided should provide suitable entertainment, 
pay all local expenses and make as large a 'thank-offering' 
for the Convention as possible." 

The Passing of Two Churches. 

"After being without service for twenty years, the 
small remnant of the Tolland church is seeking by due 
process of law to close up its affairs and turn the proceeds 
over to the Convention, before all goes to ruin. A con- 
summation of this plan is likely to be attained at an early 
date." "The closing of the mills at New Hartford a few 
years ago resulted in wiping out the resident member- 
ship of the church, thus leaving the property to the Con- 
vention. July 1 last we were able to sell the property to a 
newly organized German Lutheran church for $1,700, 
more than could be realized for any other purpose." It 
may be added that many of the members of this church 
had found their way into the Winsted and Torrington 
churches, where they are doing loyal service. There is 
no reason to suppose that the labor bestowed and the 
money spent on this field have been "in vain in the Lord." 

Summary of Work. 

One French missionary at Putnam and Danielson, five 
Italian missionaries, working in ten different stations; 
one German, and five Swedish missionaries; twenty-one 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 219 

English-speaking churches aided, all at a cost to the Con- 
vention of $4,726.58. Baptisms, 126. Money raised 
for benevolence, $1,332.79. For self-support, $14,350.89. 

Report of Commit te on Evangelism. 

This report was presented by Rev. W. A. Spinney: 
"Your committee has a right to report good things 
regarding the work in this state. The aim and real pur- 
pose of the Convention seems to center in the spirit and 
effort of evangelism. Practically we have three men in 
the field: Coats, Flanders and Divine. These men have 
come from successful pastorates. It is the strong evangel- 
istic pastor who is called to the chair of homiletics in one 
of our foremost theological seminaries.* What does 
that mean, but that we are to have a new generation of 
pastors thoroughly imbued with the spirit, and trained in 
the best methods of evangelism? The ease with which 
the money for this specific work has been raised from 
our laymen gives renewed evidence of the value of this 
work in the estimation of our people. Evangelism is 
to the life of our churches what wings are to birds, or 
fins to the fish of the sea. Without it the church will 
never move or soar in spiritual activities. There has 
been much talk about this one theme. We are doing 
the thing talked about. " 

After this earnest plea for evangelistic methods the 
Rev. Dr. Coats made an excellent address on the general 
theme, in which he clearly defined some of the unfavorable 
conditions that sometimes render such special services 
abortive. It all depends upon the motive on the part 
of pastor or people. The motives may be radically 
wrong; as for example: 

1. A certain helpful notoriety comes to the pastor, 
but this is a selfish motive, and cannot be expected to 
result in good. 

2. A revival may remove obstacles or restore a spirit 
of harmony; but this, too, may be a self-seeking motive, 

* Rev. Dr. Wwlfkin, called to Rochester. 



220 HISTORY OF THE 

3. The church sometimes thinks a revival would 
increase a declining income. 

4. Local denominational pride sometimes becomes a 
motive. 

5. At times a mere philanthropic motive is the most 
urgent. 

6. The ultimate motive is composed of three elements : 
love for Christ, sympathy with Christ, loyalty to Christ. 

Report on Bible-schools. 

This was presented by Rev. Frederick Lent, Ph.D. We 
insert a few of the most telling sentences: 

"The true conception of the Bible-school is the whole 
church at work in the study of the Bible. Yet not more 
than thirty per cent, of our members are in the schools. 
Among Christian non-attendants there is little devotional 
reading of the Bible, and far less study of it. . . It 
is especially inconsistent for a Baptist to neglect the 
study of the Bible. Have we not said to the world, 'We 
have no creed but the Word, as interpreted by Jesus 
Christ?' How absurd for one who claims to stand on 
the foundation of the apostles and prophets to absent 
himself from that one session of the church where he can 
seriously study the Scriptures. . . Because our mem- 
bers do not understand allusions to the best known Bible 
incidents and doctrines, their preacher's message loses 
its point, and the arrow that would have pierced their 
armor is blunted against the impenetrable coat-of-mail of 
ignorance. The only genuine permanent revival of 
religion must begin by getting the whole church into the 
school. . . . Most of our churches demand good 
preaching; and they pay, not well, but considerably for 
it. Some demand good music; and they pay for that. 
But these same churches pay little or nothing for their 
Bible-schools. Would not the money paid for music 
sometimes be better employed in securing an associate 
pastor, whose chief function should be the training of a 
competent force of teachers?" 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 221 

Rev. II. M. Thompson, D.D., President. 

The retiring President, having gracefully introduced 
him, the newly elected incumbent, Dr. Thompson, said: 
"It is with great humility and reluctance that I accept 
this position. I recognize the responsibility that will be 
upon me for the coming year, and I feel unequal to the 
accomplishment of the task. I must have declined the 
honor were it not for the feeling that I am in a vicarious 
sense showing the appreciation of the church of which 
I am pastor. Twenty-two years ago thirty poor people 
felt that they must establish a church. They could not 
have done this but for the help of the Convention. This 
was given, and three years later they became self-sup- 
porting. The property was bought, the Convention paid 
the interest, the church paid the principal, and in five 
years they were free from debt. You cannot question 
but that the church has been and will be loyal to the 
interests of the Convention, and as pastor of that church 
I am ready to make an offer of such service as I can 
render, knowing that the church will be ready to spare 
me for the time necessary for the work. I want simply 
to say that I am putting myself at your service for Jesus' 
sake." 

General Business of the Convention. 

The usual reports of committees were presented: On 
Temperance, by Rev. W. V. Gray; on Obituaries, by Rev. 
S. G. Hastings; on Home and Foreign Missions, by Rev. 
G. W. Nicholson; on State of Religion in the Churches, 
by Rev. P. C. Wright; on Christian Stewardship, by 
Rev. W. A. Spinney. By vote of the body the Com- 
mittee on Stewardship was made a standing committee. 
All of these reports were of a high order of merit and 
deserved more careful hearing and deliberation than it 
was possible for them to receive in sessions so crowded 
with business. 

On the recommendation of Mr. C. O. Spencer, Chair- 
man of the Historical Committee, the committee was 



222 HISTORY OF THE 

authorized to secure the services of Rev. P. S. Evans to 
prepare a history of the Convention. 

This had been the most prosperous year in all the long 
and honorable career of this body. A larger evangelistic 
force than ever had been employed. An abundant har- 
vest had been gathered in. More than double the average 
of contributions had been received. The exhibit made 
by the Treasurer was most gratifying. He reported the 
resources of the treasury as $73,251, with no obligations 
beyond the interest on the Annuity Funds. 

The Year of Trial and Triumph. 

1907. The eighty-fourth annual meeting of the Conven- 
tion was held with the Putnam church, Rev. J. 
R. Stubbert, pastor. Although it was held in the north- 
east corner of the state, there was a large attendance. 
The enrollment showed that seventy-four pastors and 
two hundred and thirty-two delegates were present, but 
as many, according to the usual habit, failed to register, 
we may safely place the entire number present at no 
fewer than four hundred, besides the members of the 
local church. From the opening to the close the interest 
was unflagging. The minutes occupy ninety printed pages, 
of which the report of the Board takes twenty-one. 

Rev. H. M. Thompson, D.D., called the Convention 
to order. Pastor Thompson was reelected President, 
Rev. F. H. Divine, Secretary, and Charles Edward 
Prior, Treasurer. 

Pastor Stubberfs Welcome. 

"It is easy to say 'Welcome,' and it is just as easy to 
feel in our hearts that you are welcome. In the year 
1848 a church was erected on this ground. In 1873 it 
was consumed by fire. A new one was erected and this 
one was dedicated in 1874, and in October of that year 
the Convention met with us. In the year 1889 the Con- 
vention came again. In 1907 it comes once more, making 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 223 

three times in thirty-three years. I do not feel myself 
very old, and yet this is the thirty-second Convention I 
have attended. 

"This has been a wonderful year to the Baptists of 
Connecticut. We met a year ago with joyful hearts, 
and great were our expectations for a glorious year for 
God. But soon such a misfortune came to us as wrung 
the tears from our eyes, and anguish from our hearts. 
The man who has brought such sorrow upon us was, dur- 
ing six years of his boyhood, trained in our Bible-school, 
while his father, the sweet singer in Israel, was the 
beloved pastor of this church. 

"There was great discouragement during the cold 
months. Our robust Secretary soon rallied, and one 
good man in the farther corner of the state, Brother 
Grippen, for four years our President started us with 
$5,000, and told Brother Divine to go ahead, and the 
people would not go back on him. The churches have 
justified this confidence, and today I think it will be pro- 
claimed that all is raised. 

"The putting back of this money into the treasury 
is good, but that is not half the good that has come to 
us. A far greater good is the blessing that has come 
to the churches in the sacrifices they have made, and in 
realizing their ability to rise to this demand upon their 
benevolence, a blessing they will not get over in all time." 

Address of the President. 

In reply to the words of welcome the President said: 
"We are indeed passing through a wonderful period. 
We are making history. I was present eighteen years 
ago, when the Convention met here, and made my maiden 
speech before this body. I cannot fail to have in mind 
the faces of two men : Dean Wayland, and one who was 
very dear to me, Rev. P. G. Wightman, who preached the 
sermon, from the text, 'Enlarge the place of thy tent.' 
As we recall the place of meeting at that time, and then 
look upon this beautiful edifice, we recognize that this 



224 HISTORY OF THE 

church has enlarged the place of its tent. It has shown 
its wisdom in calling back our young brother to the 
pastorate. The Convention also has enlarged the place 
of its tent. Then we could hardly maintain one worker. 
Now we have a Superintendent of Missions, two evangel- 
ists, one colporteur, and one assistant in the Italian work. 
For the Convention I gratefully accept the hospitality 
of this church." 

Directly addressing the Convention the President said 
in part: "The presentation of the record of the year I 
shall leave to our Secretary, who has stood nearest to 
the work, and who has with untiring energy manifested 
great zeal and earnestness in the service of the Conven- 
tion. 

"We have had a very critical year in our history, and 
the crisis is not yet past. We appear to be at a parting 
of ways. Human nature is inclined to seek, the path of 
least resistance. It is easier to take a dead level in life 
than to seek the heights, to hold the fort than to capture 
the enemy's position, to hold our wealth than to invest it 
in that which promises only uncertain returns, to take 
our ease rather than to stir ourselves even to save others. 
It is possible that this Convention even after its heroic 
struggle of the last months, and partly because of it, may 
elect an easier path for the future, may decide to retrench, 
to cut its force of workers down to an extent that will im- 
peril the enterprise of soul-winning and of Christian 
character-building. But I believe you will choose the 
better way. It is a rugged way. It is hill-climbing. It 
is the way of consecrated service. But the atmosphere 
will be clear, the backward look satisfying, the vision 
of the future glorious." 

After a brief review of the progress of the work, and 
of the new fields that had opened up, the President said: 
"We cannot abandon any part of our work and be true 
to ourselves and our commission. Let our first consider- 
ation be the reign of God in human hearts, not the ques- 
tion of church extension. This will result, but let it be a 
result. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 225 

"I long to see a country pastorate of vigorous men, so 
well paid that they can devote themselves to the spiritual 
harvest fields early and late when they are required; not 
anxious about old age; able by economy to give their 
children an education; having ability occasionally to get 
a meaty book, and time to devour it; cultivating Chris- 
tians rather than chickens and cabbage; able to own a 
horse and saddle-bags. If one field is not enough for 
such a man, give him the one next to it, and the salary 
of both. Abandon the country? Never." 

With equal warmth he pressed upon the Convention 
the claims of the cities and of the increasing multitude 
of foreigners. "Our present duty is plain. Our lives and 
our money should be given to our generation. Then the 
seed of the next generation will be the children of the 
Kingdom, saved by the grace of God through us. The 
solution of all the problems is, Evangelize, Evangelize." 

Report of the Board of Trustees. 

This report proved to be the last that Brother Divine 
was destined to prepare for the Convention. The highly 
efficient service he had rendered through the four pre- 
ceding years had been abundantly evidenced in the results 
achieved. He did his work so well in this last year, the 
year of trial and of triumph, that his services were 
coveted for a larger field, — not larger in extent of terri- 
tory, but of more nationally extensive importance. It 
was providential that there was found at the service 
of the Board such a man as Rev. A. B. Coats, D.D., who 
during a year's labor in the state had become intimate 
with the conditions of the work, and had found much 
favor with the pastors and churches of the state. The 
worker may leave, but the work goes on. No two workers 
are alike. Gifts differ, but in the Lord's work the same 
spirit actuates all. We may well believe that the differ- 
ences, temperamental or other, between these two breth- 
ren may inure to the benefit of the work that Brother 
Coats has taken up. We extract a few paragraphs from 
this last report of Superintendent Divine. 



226 HISTORY OF THE 

"Our report last year began with a song of praise, and 
we looked into the year now ending with large plans, 
strong hopes, and an optimistic faith that was backed 
by a willingness to do in the name of the Master. We 
close the year and face another with an anthem of praise 
on our lips, though our eyes are blinded with the mingled 
tears of sorrow and of joy. Since the days of the trials 
of our fathers by bitter persecution, Connecticut Bap- 
tists have never been put to a severer test, and never 
have they shown a better mettle than now. While we 
make this a day of rejoicing over a mighty victory, we 
ascribe all praise, honor and glory to Him alone who 
makes the wrath of man to praise Him, and restrains the 
remainder of wrath. 

A Misfortune Made a Blessing, 

"On February 11, 1907, the shocking discovery was 
made that William F. Walker, who had served as the 
Convention's Treasurer for more than twenty years, had 
disappeared, and the Convention's funds had sustained 
enormous losses." 

Then follows a detailed account of these losses, pre- 
pared by the special committee consisting of Charles 
Edward Prior, the new Treasurer, Edward K. Nichol- 
son, who had been appointed Attorney by the Board, and 
Rev. F. H. Divine, the Secretary and Superintendent. 
The report was prefaced with the following statements : 

"The Connecticut Baptist Convention is made up of 
all the Baptist churches and members thereof in the state 
of Connecticut. Its obligations, moral, legal and relig- 
ious, are equally the obligations of each member thereof. 
This statement is made that each may know the facts, 
and also determine a course of action that is in keeping 
with every high moral sense, when the facts are in hand. 

"We are unwilling to evade responsibility, to make the 
bankrupt's plea at the bar of conscience, to violate sacred 
trusts, to obliterate the names and memories of our fallen 
benefactors, and much less to abandon or neglect the 
work that the income of these funds was intended to 
further and support. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 227 

"The policy taken will largely determine future sup- 
port. Observing men and women are quick to perceive 
and act. Their judgment is according to the discovered 
motives, and the results, often unspoken, are the measure 
of their respect or disgust. Ours is a hard task, but 
honor is above cost. It always pays. It will now." 

Then follow the details of the losses in the Trust 
Funds, the Annuity Funds and the Permanent Funds, 
totalling $63,041.06, with miscellaneous assets of $5,751, 
leaving a net loss of $57,290.06. 

"The Board met in special session February 19 for the 
purpose of taking such action as might be deemed neces- 
sary at this crisis. The office of Treasurer was declared 
vacant, and Charles Edward Prior was appointed Treas- 
urer for the remainder of the Convention year. After 
careful deliberation all matters relating to the handling 
of the finances for the present were referred to a com- 
mittee of six, in most cases with power to act, and in all 
cases their acts were to be referred to the Board for 
ratification. The committee is as follows: Chairman, 
C. O. Spencer; Secretary, F. FT Divine; members, Ed- 
ward K. Nicholson, W. A. Grippen, Alfred Spencer, Jr., 
Ezra H. Stevens and Charles Edward Prior ex-officio. ,y 

Report of Committee of Six. 

A report of this committee was included in the report 
of the Board of Trustees. We quote a few of the most 
essential facts embodied in this report. 

It was discovered that the apparent assets contained 
worthless and forged paper amounting to $9,461. Of 
the other assets doubtful and undesirable securities had 
now been sold and the proceeds put into such form as 
would remove all question. The Treasurer had secured 
the Convention by executing a bond for $10,000, liable 
to increase as the Committee of Six might direct. The 
Secretary also had been placed under bond for $1,000. 
Every mortgage executed, every bond purchased or ac- 
quired by gift, and every bank account was now made 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

and held in the name of the Connecticut Baptist Con- 
vention, and not in the name of the Treasurer. 

"All known lawful outstanding obligations of every 
kind have been paid. The Rowayton Fund has been 
fully restored and returned to the church at its request. 
All matured interest obligations have been met to date, 
and all dividends due beneficiaries have been paid reg- 
ularly. All appropriations and salaries have also been 
paid when due. In the case of funds that have been lost, 
your committee has in every case agreed to pay the 
beneficiaries four per cent, upon the principal of such 
losses, until such time as the said losses shall have been 
fully restored and investigated, whereupon each bene- 
ficiary will receive the entire net earnings of the fund to 
which it is entitled." 

The Secretary of the Convention went on to give some 
account of the struggle and the victory, which account we 
transcribe in full. 

The Secretary's Account of the Struggle and the Victory. 

"The foregoing facts give the outline of one of the 
greatest misfortunes that have ever befallen any Baptist 
missionary body. The losses to funds given for sacred 
purposes, the losses to needed income for the work of the 
current year, the losses of service that would have been 
rendered in evanglistic effort, and the loss of the man who 
has gone, the greatest loss of all, are too great for com- 
putation. Despite this dark and distressing outlook, 
your Board set itself to the task of restoring all trust 
and other funds, and the meeting of every obligation. 

"The campaign to raise $50,000 has been pushed with 
courage, faith and persistency since the middle of April. 
Pastors and people alike in all of our churches have taken 
a stand that is an example to all the world. The poor 
have given to the point of sacrifice, while the more 
prosperous have made these gifts effectual. It is expected 
that when this report shall be put into your hands the 
entire sum needed will have been pledged, while we are 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 229 

glad to report that much of the amount has been paid in, 
and the balance is being paid in rapidly. 

"Through all this struggle and gloom not a promise 
has been broken by your Board, not an appropriation 
reduced, not a missionary or Convention worker dis- 
charged, and no form of retrenchment adopted. Restor- 
ation of every fund has been provided for, every legacy 
kept intact, every obligation met, and every name pre- 
served to memory. Forward, not backward, has been the 
cry. 

"As the clouds lift and we discover ourselves once 
again, the Connecticut Baptist Convention is again a new 
and living thing in the minds of thousands; her interests 
are theirs in a very real sense; her people stand together 
as never before; closets and family altars know a new 
object of petition, while we have driven back every cause 
of reproach, every fear of compromise or evasion. The 
glory of Christ in the Church Militant is more conspic- 
uous, as are also the future hopes of the Convention, 
while its work is largely increased in every way." 

General Survey of the Field. 

This part of the report of the Board was as gratifying 
as in former years. The work for the Italians was pro- 
gressing finely. Especially was this true in New Haven, 
where the possession of the large premises secured by 
them enabled them to organize and conduct successfully 
so many branches of what may be called Settlement 
Work. Similar quarters for the Hartford work were a 
necessity that demanded early attention and large giving. 
The report said: "The progress attending our Italian 
missions makes pathetic a situation confronting most of 
our churches and large communities. Colonies of thou- 
sands of these new-comers are neglected, simply for want 
of men and money to give them the Gospel. Many of 
our churches could do more for these people if the vision 
of faith and service recognized the breadth and equality 
of the Great Commission. Other races there are among 



230 HISTORY OF THE 

us who need our service, among whom are the Poles, 
the Hungarians, and the Jews. Too much money and 
too many workers cannot be sent to the remoter parts, 
but too little may be done at our own doors." 

Work among the Swedes had from the first been the 
most promising of our mission enterprises. They were 
more appreciative, more responsive, more self-helpful, 
more aggressive than any other class to which we had 
extended a helping hand. In Bridgeport, where there 
had been for several years a self-supporting church, a 
new church had been organized in the eastern section of 
the city, known as the Bethel Swedish Baptist church, 
with twenty-two members. This was in fact a child of the 
First Swedish church, and a large and growing Scandi- 
navian population surrounding this new interest insured a 
fruitful field. 

The English-speaking churches which had been aided 
were holding on the even tenor of their way. They were, 
with two or three exceptions, country churches that had 
little prospect of attaining to self-support, owing to con- 
ditions that are familiar to our readers. But they could 
not be abandoned, because the communities needed them, 
and from them there was still a steady inflow of young 
and vigorous blood into our city churches. The East 
End church, Bridgeport, organized two years before, and 
worshipping in a hired hall, had purchased a lot at a cost 
of $2,000. The Convention had been able to contribute 
$500 towards the purchase, but only through a gift of 
this amount to the Church Edifice Fund by Mr. W. A. 
Grippen, always a generous giver. 

Evangelism. 

The work along this line had been interrupted by the 
great disaster to the treasury. The Superintendent was 
compelled to abandon all his plans for this service in 
the middle of February. Both evangelists were called 
to devote their time to the Restoration Fund at the end 
of April. Evangelistic services, however, had been held 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 231 

through the winter and early spring in eighteen churches. 
Of the eight hundred and sixty-nine baptisms reported this 
year, two hundred were from these churches, and at least 
in part were the results of these special services. So the 
plea for money was not the only plea heard from the 
Convention workers. 

Summary of Work on Mission Fields. 

Seven Italian missionaries had been employed, on ten 
fields. One German church, four Swedish, and twenty- 
seven English-speaking churches had received aid. Bap- 
tisms reported from these fields, 122. Cost to the Con- 
vention: for the Italian work, $2,382.34; for aid to 
churches, $3,100.78. Benevolence of the aided churches, 
$2,483.15. Church expenses, $18,260.27. 

General Doings of the Convention, 

Only portions of the long report of the Board of 
Trustees, the gist of which is given above, were read in 
the Convention. These excited intense interest and 
enthusiasm. It was hard to leave the mountain-top and 
come down to the plane of the ordinary routine of busi- 
ness. But a program as varied and interesting as usual 
had been prepared and was followed without any devi- 
ation. Several of the workers gave accounts of their 
experiences. Rev. Dr. Spalding of the Publication 
Society told the story of the five colporteur wagons that 
were at work in New England, one of which had been 
doing good service in Connecticut. 

Christian Stewardship. 

The report on this subject was presented by Rev. W. 
A. Spinney, and it ended with three suggestions : 

"1. That pastors seek to master the principle of 
stewardship. Present frequently, boldly, kindly, the 
scriptural basis for these views. Study this great truth 
apart from any special offering. 



232 HISTORY OF THE 

u 2. That those entrusted to make associational pro- 
grams allow a generous place for the discussion of this 
vital principle, and freely distribute the literature on the 
subject. 

"3. That in the State Pastors' Conference and in the 
Convention ample opportunity be furnished for the full- 
est consideration of this most vital question in all its 
phases and applications. 

"We are sure that with anything like general practice 
of this great and fundamental truth there will result an 
abundance of money for all the Lord's work, and an evi- 
dent uplift of spiritual life and power." 

Report on the State of the Churches. 

This was presented by Rev. Oscar Haywood, D.D. It 
differed much from the customary reports. We quote a 
few of the most significant paragraphs: 

"In the recorded history of your churches the multipli- 
cation table has its uses, and figures are indispensable. 
But when the spirit of commercialism or scientific criti- 
cism dogmatically affirms that the mathematician is the 
final judge in matters religious, we claim that the king- 
dom of God cannot be gauged by pencils and testing 
tubes. 

"Our Baptist hosts are uncountable. No accurate esti- 
mate can be made. Some years ago in Kentucky a 
community of 20,000 Baptists was discovered, who had 
never been tabulated. Our growth has to do with the 
spiritual, real life and consciousness of a great people. 

"Your commitee believes that there is a growing sense 
of solidarity with the Baptist people of Connecticut. 
During the year just closed there has come to us an 
episode which had in its surprise the shock of calamity. 
The death of a thousand strong men would not mean so 
much as the moral ruin of one trusted man. In the 
fellowship of disaster and shame we have gone down 
upon our knees before the throne of grace, and we found 
not only Jesus Christ in the brotherhood of his suffering, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 233 

but we found also that the denominational brotherhood 
was strengthened and sweetened by that experience. We 
are a richer, stronger people today by reason of that loss, 
which was the exchange of visible, tangible wealth for 
the inward grace of unity." 

Report on Bible-schools. 

This report was presented by Rev. H. B. Carpenter. 
From an extensive correspondence with superintendents 
and teachers he had found substantial agreement upon 
the following points : 

"1. That our Bible-schools present to us our most 
vital point of contact with the community. The way of 
approach to the home and to the hearts of its inmates 
is in the care and training of the child. 

"2. That a more sympathetic cooperation and a more 
practical union of the church with the Bible-school is 
essential. The school is the church college, from which 
no person should ever graduate. The critical age, as it 
is called, when the boy becomes restive and wants to 
quit, would be less critical if he could see his father and 
the men of the church in the Bible-class. 

u 3. That the Bible-school is educational in the broad 
sense, in moral, social and religious development. This 
educational mission should extend into the community by 
establishing home departments, by meetings for mothers 
and fathers, and by special classes for teaching boys and 
girls the sacred laws of life. 

u 4. That the Bible-school is the great evangelizing 
agency. We want to emphasize the relation of the Con- 
vention to all the work of the school. It is primarily 
an educational relation, the relation of a great teacher 
to a multitude of teachers waiting to be instructed in the 
most efficient methods of teaching. We do not need a 
Sunday-school evangelist, but we do need a Sunday-school 
worker to instruct our teachers to be evangelists and 
efficient workers in all directions. Such a worker is called 
for from every part of the state. Your committee believes 
it is the part of wisdom to consider this call." 



234 HISTORY OF THE 

Rev. E. E. Olivers, D.D. 

The Convention had the privilege of listening to an 
address by Dr. Chivers on the theme, "A Complex 
Problem." He was at that time engaged in the crown- 
ing work of his useful, consecrated life. He was the 
leader in the national evangelistic work inaugurated by 
the Baptist Home Mission Society. His special work 
had been to seek to quicken in the minds and hearts of 
the ministry the true evangelistic spirit. He had him- 
self the zeal and spirituality of an apostle. He lived and 
spoke as one who had the vision of the Christ always 
before him. Had the members of the Convention known 
that his period of service was so soon to close they would 
have heard him with more intense interest and his words 
of entreaty and counsel would have been recorded. He 
had frequently visited our state. In his capacity as an 
officer of the Home Mission Society he had counselled 
with the officers and committees of the Convention in 
regard to the work among the foreign-born, in which 
work that society bore and still bears an equal part with 
ourselves. He was one of God's elect, "a chosen vessel." 
Let us not think he has closed his labors, but rather that 
he has entered upon a larger, more honorable, and more 
fruitful field of work among the ransomed hosts, who 
vet have so much to learn of the grace and glory of our 
Lord. 

Report on Home and Foreign Missions. 

This report was presented in the early session of 
Wednesday when the attendance was quite small, by 
Rev. Robert C. Hull, then of Suffield. In it he referred 
to the action of the Boards, in compliance with the 
resolution adopted at the last May x4nniversaries, of 
apportioning to the different churches their equitable 
ratio of the sums needed to carry on the operations of 
these societies. In accordance with this new plan, the 
state of Connecticut had been assessed as follows: for 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 235 

the Missionary Union, $15,647.50; for the Home Mis- 
sion Society ,.$12, 700; for the Publication Society, $3,000, 
making in all $31,547.50. 

The amount asked for was practically double what the 
churches had been accustomed to give. The report said: 
"The action of the societies in asking us to double our 
gifts, an action doubtless unavoidable, will make it very 
difficult for our churches to meet the obligation this year. 
Nevertheless for the sake of present needs and of future 
results it must be done. In the year just closed a special 
appeal was made by Rev. W. S. Sweet of Hangchow, 
China, to raise $20,000 for the Wayland Academy in 
Hangchow. He met with a generous response. Had it 
not been for the more imperative need of the Restoration 
Fund he would probably have received the full amount." 

We find from the returns of the churches that not- 
withstanding the efforts made in behalf of the Restoration 
Fund they had given during the year: for Home Mis- 
sions, $12,223.75; for Foreign Missions, $10,689.02: 
for Publication Society, $804.34; in all, $23,726.93, fall- 
ing short of the full apportionment less than $8,000. 

Report on Evangelism. 

This was presented on Wednesday afternoon by Rev. 
W. A. Spinney. It was a very earnest and effective paper 
and should have received far more attention than we fear 
it did at the close of such a crowded meeting, or series 
of meetings, beginning at noon of Monday and not end- 
ing till late on Wednesday. The report closed with a 
ringing appeal for the holding of three district confer- 
ences on evangelism, and these to be preparatory to a 
general state conference, to be held in New Haven. "The 
power that saves the soul is Jesus Christ. The heaven- 
horn agency for the salvation of the world is delegated 
to the redeemed. The spirit of God is the convincing, 
directing power in the child of God, and upon the sinner, 
in soul-winning and salvation. May this threefold vision 
be granted to all our churches, and these powers find 
clear evidence among all our people in the year to come." 



236 HISTORY OF THE 

Report on Obituaries. 

This report, like those of several previous years, was 
presented by Rev. S. G. Hastings. No reports prepared 
for the Convention demand so much time and care as 
these. The report this year was unusually long, contain- 
ing notices of the death of eleven Baptist ministers. 
Among these were the names of Rev. Palmer G. Wight- 
man, Rev. A. C. Hubbard, D.D., Rev. C. A. Piddock 
and Rev. H. M. Wolf. To all these and others Brother 
Hastings paid deserved and loving tributes. 

For the sake of ready reference it has Geen deemed 
best that all obituary notices, except those on which the 
Board had taken special action, should be printed in the 
Necrology found in the appendix to this volume. In the 
case of the brethren mentioned above only the narrow 
limits prescribed to this work prevent the compiler from 
adding his personal tribute to these devoted servants of 
Christ. 

The Closing Service. 

This memorable session of the Convention, being its 
eighty-fourth annual meeting, was closed with a sermon 
by Rev. W. W. Weeks, D.D., on the inspiring and 
exhaustless theme, "The Finality of Jesus Christ." This 
proved a most fitting climax to all the services of the Con- 
vention. 

The Convention closed at 4.45 p. m. with the benedic- 
tion by Rev. J. R. Stubbert. 

The Baptist Social Union. 

We have said that the Convention closed at four forty- 
five in the afternoon, but the annual meetings of this body 
do not really close until the Baptist Social Union ends. 
We have said little of this society, a society which since 
its organization in 1871, largely through the agency of 
Hon. James L. Howard and Dean Francis Wayland, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 237 

has done so much good in its quiet way, by its gracious 
hospitality, its active interest in all that pertains to the 
Kingdom, and especially by its fostering care for the 
Convention. The meeting and pleasant reunion that was 
held on the evening of Wednesday, October 16, was but 
a fair representative of all the previous meetings. But 
it had a peculiar significance and adeptedness to what had 
gone before. It prolonged the keynote that had been 
struck in the earlier meetings of the Convention, inasmuch 
as the addresses were a summons to high and lofty 
endeavor in the service of Christ. 

The President of the Union, Mr. William J. Grippen 
of Bridgeport, did the honors of the occasion. After 
a few happy remarks he introduced as the first speaker, 
Honorable Mornay Williams of New York City, a son 
of Rev. Dr. W. R. Williams of blessed memory. Mr. 
Williams came as a representative of the Laymen's For- 
ward Movement for Missions, and spoke on the tneme, 
"The Place and Responsibility of the Laity." He said 
in part: 

"Perhaps in a gathering of Baptists this phrase needs 
explanation. We have always held, and held rightly, 
that the church member needs no intermediary between 
himself and God, for all believers are kings and priests 
unto God. The terms clergy and laity more properly 
belong to churches differently organized. Yet even we 
have been too satisfied to let the responsibility of carry- 
ing forward the work of the Kingdom rest upon the 
shoulders of ministers and missionaries. After all, if 
we believe the theoretical statement that each is a priest 
and a king, then you and I and every believer are respons- 
ible no whit less than the man called to officiate as a 
minister. 

"The Great Commission was given to plain men, fisher- 
men, peasants; on them was laid the great command, 
'Go ye into all the world.' Nineteen centuries have rolled 
by, and the command has not been fulfilled. There has 
been no time when men have preached to all men of then- 
day. In the War Museum in Albany is a paper dated 



16 



238 HISTORY OF THE 

'Executive Mansion, October 6, 1864.' The paper directs 
a Union soldier, then in prison as a deserter, to be 
released, and that he should join his regiment in the 
field. Underneath this monument of the great Lincoln's 
mercy is written, 'Taken from the body of Roswell Mc- 
Intyre, after the battle of Five Forks. Pardoned as a 
deserter, he died a patriot.' The sentence was passed 
on you and on me, and Jesus Christ pardoned. The 
pardon is good only as you make it good. Go, give, 
believe, do ! I am pleading for the dying nations. The 
power unused atrophies. The pardon unused is not 
good. Listen to the Macedonian cry. Help ye the dying, 
lest ye die." 

This powerful apeal to laymen, from a layman, was 
followed by an address of which we have not so full a 
report, from Rev. Dr. H. C. Applegarth, the financial 
agent of the Missionary Union: 

"Never has there been a time since Jesus Christ went 
back to the skies when there was such an opportunity. 
He gave unto the church, some pastors, some evangelists, 
some ministers, many laity; and the whole function of 
the ministry is to bring up the laymen to the point of 
ministering. 

"When we get the vision of Him sitting upon the 
throne, when Christian laymen, men in business, are on 
the King's business, and the old world so long in night 
shall roll out into the light, then shall we realize that we 
have been redeemed by the Son of the King, then shall we 
bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of 
all, and He shall have the isles of the sea and the utter- 
most parts of the earth for His possession." 



APPENDIX 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 241 



Appendix A. 

NECROLOGY. 

Not till the year 1844 was there any record made in the minutes 
of the Convention of the decease of the pastors of the state. The 
minutes of the associations have not been available to supply the 
data. Some of the following records are incomplete, others have 
been somewhat abridged from the reports of the Committee on 
Obituaries. 

1844. 

Linsley, Rev. J. H. He had been active in the early history of 
the Baptist churches of Connecticut. His daughter became the 
wife of Rev. S. D. Phelps, D.D. 

1845. 

Miller, Rev. W. G. At the time of his death he was pastor 
of the Essex church. He was the father of Rev. Harvey Miller, 
long the beloved pastor of the Meriden church, and grandfather, 
through another son, of Edward Miller, Esq., of Meriden. 

1851. 

D arrow, Rev. Francis. Long pastor of First Waterford. 
Cook, Rev. Benaiah. Pastor at Jewett City. 
Whiting, Rev. Niles. Pastor at Greenville, now Third Nor- 
wich. 

1856. 

Bentley, Rev. William. Father Bentley was one of the pioneers. 
His name and services are identified with the history of this Con- 
vention from its very beginning. Several of the churches trace 
their origin to his labors, and rarely did he fail to attest his lively 
interest in ovir work by his presence in our gatherings, until the 
pressure of infirmity and disease laid him aside from his work. 

Skinner, Rev. Ezekiel. For many years a successful preacher, 
physician and reformer, he finished his course, leaving behind him 
the bright track of a good name and a useful life to cheer and com- 
fort those who sorrowed for his departure. 



242 HISTORY OF THE 

1857. 

Miller, Rev. Harvey. He was pastor of the First Meriden 
church. For many years he was a member of the Board of 
Trustees and an occupant of various other posts of trust and 
honor. "To us all his memory is exceedingly precious. The tones 
of his ringing voice, the light of his flashing eyes, the sunshine of 
his genial spirit, all pervaded and endued with the savor of his 
earnest piety, seem still to linger with us and to steal subduingly 
over our hearts." 

Wightman, Rev. Frederick. He was one of our beloved and 
venerated fathers in the ministry, who having, during a long life, 
emphatically kept faith, finished his course leaving behind him a 
good name. 

Fish, Rev. E. P. He was pastor of the church in Haddam. He 
had not been long in the ministry, but served faithfully the full 
period allotted to him. 

Smith, Rev. W. S. Pastor at Newtown. He was one of the 
younger brethren, not widely known, but true-hearted and de- 
voted. 

Gilbert, Deacon Joseph B. He was for four years the Treas- 
urer of the Convention, in which office he rendered conspicuous 
service. He was extensively known in various spheres of Chris- 
tian benevolence and civic trust. 

1858. 

Lewes, Rev. Lester. "In the prime of his manhood, in the full 
vigor of his intellect, in the very height of his usefulness, blest 
with a physical constitution unusually robust and giving promise 
of long years of usefulness in the ministry, suddenly and in the 
midst of a precious revival among his flock at Middletown, early 
in January last, Brother Lewes was arrested by an acute disease 
which terminated his career on earth. . . For many years a 
member of the Board, one year holding the office of President, 
always active and consecrated, his removal has left a void among 
us not easily filled." 

Mallory, Rev. Samuel S. He was formerly a pastor among us, 
and took an active part in our work. After an absence of some 
years he had just returned to the state, having spent a few weeks 
with the church in Willington, the field of his former settlement. 
The divine blessing was attending his labors, when he was quite 
suddenly summoned away. 

Vinton, Justus A. See record for the year in the doings of the 
Convention. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 243 

1859. 

Wtldman, Rev. Nathan. Pastor of the Plainville church. Bro- 
ther Wildman, himself the son of one of our Connecticut preachers 
of the former days, had been in the ministry of our state for thirty- 
seven years, in labors abundant, ever faithful and successful. He 
at different times occupied various official stations in the Conven- 
tion. He baptized about eight hundred. At the annual gathering 
for 1858 he was present and was chosen President of the Educa- 
tion Society. 

Grow, Rev. James. Pastor at Thompson. Father Grow was 
well known and greatly beloved, and though for some time laid 
aside from active service by the weight of years and infirmities, he 
continued faithful to the end. 

Tillinghast, Rev. J. A. At the time of his death he was pastor 
of the Tolland church. He was not widely known, as his residence 
in the state had been brief. He obtained a good report in the 
church which he served, and his death was a sore loss to that 
church. "He rests from his labors and his works do follow him." 

Read, Deacon George. Was deacon in the church at Deep 
River, and held in high estimation. He was known through the 
state as one of the most steadfast, devoted, and useful of the 
servants of Christ. Simple and quiet in his manners, he was 
always valiant for the truth. He served several years as a mem- 
ber of the Board, and one year as President of the Convention. 

1862. 

Knappj Rev. Henry R. He served many of our churches, and 
was known as a sound and successful preacher, as well as a good 
man. After a long and painful illness he died at the residence 
of his son in New York. 

Lincoln, Rev. Bradford H. Was pastor of the church in Essex. 

1863. 

Jackson, D.D., Rev. Henry. Was formerly pastor of First 
Hartford, and well remembered for his large and genial and lov- 
ing heart, and for his industry and usefulness. 

Savage, Rev. Edward. He was for some time pastor of the 
Bristol church, and for a short period Secretary of the Convention. 

1864. 

Branch, Rev. Nicholas. He was one of the veteran ministers in 
the northeastern part of the state. Fie was really an able and 
excellent man, but he was called in the latter years of his life to 



244 HISTORY OF THE 

endure intense bodily suffering, so that when at length he passed 
away to the land where there shall be no more any pain, it was felt 
to be a blessed release to him, however survivors might mourn his 
loss. 

Robins, Rev. Gurdon. Of Hartford. He was long familiarly 
and pleasantly known among us as one of the founders and 
fathers of the Convention, and was identified with its progress 
to the end of his life. He was a sort of impersonation of Baptist 
history and doctrines. He is remembered with special interest by 
many of our younger ministers. He finished his ministry and went 
to his rest in a good old age. 

Peckham, Rev. Stephen. For a long period he served the 
Led)'ard church. Most esteemed and beloved where he was best 
known, he is deeply lamented through that region. 

Lewis, Rev. C. Casson. Was pastor of the Second church in 
North Stonington. A plain man, but a true servant of the Mas- 
ter, less widely known than some others, but one of the "pillars" 
of the church. 

Paine, Rev. John. He faithfully served several of our churches 
in eastern Connecticut. He was a retiring and unobtrusive man, 
but a sound and scriptural preacher of the Gospel. He fell on 
sleep at his home in Preston. 

1865. 

Shatter, Rev. Simon. One of the oldest members of the Con- 
vention, and father of our senior missionary. Naturally strong 
and vigorous, both in body and mind, and made spiritually strong 
by the grace of the Gospel, he "served his generation by the will of 
God and fell asleep" at his residence in Haddam in the month of 
August,, 1865, at the age of 89. He is remembered with much 
affection. 

1867. 

Dennison, Rev. Erastus. This venerable and beloved man 
of God entered into his rest this year. Throughout eastern Con- 
necticut he was most intimately known, and the fruits and 
memorials of his labors are all about us. Simple-hearted, un- 
ostentatious, discreet, devoted, affectionate, full of faith and of the 
Holy Ghost, he wrought with great success in the ministry, and 
through his agency "much people was added to the Lord." 

1868. 

Brockets Rev. Pierpont. He "fell asleep in Jesus" at his resi- 
ence in Wethersfield, April 7, in the eighty-first year of his age. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 245 

Father Brockett was widely known and loved among the churches 
of the state. He was eminently a good man, a faithful, affec- 
tionate and successful minister of Christ, and he served on several 
different fields with fidelity and integrity to the end. 

Steward, Rev. Ira R. The early years of his ministry were 
spent in faithful service in this state. He then assumed charge of 
the Mariners' church in New York City. He paid yearly visits 
to our annual gatherings to enlist our people in the world-wide 
work he was prosecuting among those who "go down to the sea 
in ships." Few men have labored more earnestly or devotedly 
in the vineyard of the Lord, and his memory is peculiarly precious, 
both among the sons of the ocean and in the wide circle of his 
associates at home. 

Cheeseborough, Rev. Elihu. He died in Stonington, April 27, 
1868, at the remarkable age of ninety-nine years, one month and 
two days. He was not extensively known among us, having 
passed the larger portion of his life in close retirement. But by 
those who knew him he was esteemed and noted for his stead- 
fastness in the faith. His descendants have been closely identified 
with the Baptist church in Stonington. 

1869. 

Warren, Rev. J. He had retired for some years from active 
service. He was the father of Rev. J. Warren, pastor of the 
Easton church. 

Leach, Rev. B. N. Formerly pastor at Middletown, where the 
last years of his life were spent. 

1870. 

Walker, Rev. Levi. He had been in the ministry in his earlier 
years. A good man and faithful, he died in a good old age in 
Voluntown, where he had been living for some years. 

1871. 

Stone, Rev. Gilman. He had been pastor of the Easton church 
and had obtained a good report among those who knew him. 

Bolles, Deacon James. Of the First church, Hartford. He 
was a man of great simplicity and purity of character, of deep 
and unaffected piety, and of unswerving integrit)^. He so bore 
himself through his whole life as to command the respect of all 
who knew r him. He was present at the meeting of the Board in 
1871, and pledged $600 for the ensuing year. He left by will the 
sum of $10,000 to be invested for the use of the Convention. 



246 HISTORY OF THE 

1872. 

Tilden, Rev. Chester. Formerly pastor of the Willimantic 
church. He did excellent service in the early years of this church, 
of which he may be said to have been the founder. 

Peckham, Rev. Peleg. Pastor of the church in Stirling. 

1873. 

Holman, Rev. J. W. Died in Providence, R. I., May 16. 
Pastor of the Third church, North Stonington, and earlier of 
First Norwich. He was a vigorous preacher, strong in the presen- 
tation of doctrine, and best beloved by those who knew him best. 

Meech, Rev. Levi. He was born in North Stonington, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1795. Pastor of the churches in Bozrah, Lebanon, 
Salem and Montville. The Lord owned his ministry and per- 
mitted him to baptize four hundred converts. 

Munger, Rev. Washington. Born in Wales, Massachusetts, 
October 13,, 1800. He became pastor of the First Wallingford 
church in 1853, and so continued for eleven years. It was in 
Waterford that he died. The good pleasure of the Lord prospered 
in his hands. The Lord gave him grace to love and help those 
who followed him in the pastorate. 

Robbins, Rev. Austin. Born in Thompson, 1812, and died at 
the age of 61. He was ordained in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in 
1842. He had served in the ministry in Sanford, Biddeford and 
Topsham, Maine, in Southboro, Massachusetts, and last in East 
Killingly for six years. 

Andreivs, Rev. E. Died in Montague, Massachusetts. He had 
been pastor in Eastford and Tolland. He was a man of unusual 
strength of mind, and of fine scholarship. He was the father of 
Governor and Supreme Court Judge Andrews, and of E. Benja- 
min Andrews, for several years President of Brown University. 

Leffingwell, Rev. Christopher. Born in Bozrah in 1803„ bap- 
tized in 1831, ordained in Bozrah in 1842. His work was given 
to the churches in Bozrah and Salem. He was a faithful laborer 
on a field that brought small returns beyond what the Master 
gives. 

Bailey, Rev. Joseph A. He held an intimate relation to the 
Convention and its work. For three years he had been its able, 
self-sacrificing Secretary. A few weeks before his death he had 
been chosen to the new position of Superintendent of Missions. 
He was born in Middletown in 1823, and studied for the ministry 
at the Wesleyan University, Newton, and Rochester Theological 
Seminary. He was pastor of the Essex church a few years, and 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 247 

for eighteen years pastor of the Waterbury church, where he did 
his most important work. He was highly esteemed and greatly 
beloved. With a vigorous mind, a steadfast faith, and a well gov- 
erned will, he achieved a decided success as a minister of Christ. 
His health being seriously impaired, he went abroad, and on the 
advice of physicians proceeded to Carlsbad, Bohemia, to avail 
himself of its mineral waters. There far from home but tenderly 
ministered to by friends, he fell on sleep May 11, 1873, in his 
fiftieth year. 

1874. 

Bolles, Rev. Augustus. His was the first name upon the roll of 
those who founded the Convention, and he bore a leading part in 
all its doings till laid aside by the infirmities of age. In the case 
of such a man, who reached nearly his century of years in extensive 
usefulness, we have no emotion but that of triumph. As a man, 
as a follower of Christ, as a preacher of the Gospel, and as a Chris- 
tian editor, he was well known and highly respected. Clear- 
headed, warm-hearted, gracious in manner, quaint in speech, 
tender and effective in preaching, he was attractive to all who knew 
him. 

Goffj Rev. M. J. He was the beloved pastor of the Plainfield 
Union church, where he left a deep impression of his excellence 
as a preacher of righteousness, which he exemplified in his orderly 
consecrated life. He was summoned suddenly, in the morning of 
his days, for higher service. 

Plant, Mr. A. P. Along with his brother, Mr. Plant had been 
instrumental in building up the Second church in the town of 
Southington, known as the Plantsville church. To this he was a 
large contributor, and was very active in church work, particularly 
in the Sunday-school. 

1875. 

Avery , Rev. David. He was born in Preston in 1800. He was 
fifty years in the ministry, the first seven of which he spent in the 
Methodist church. He was pastor in Andover, and in South 
Center Ashford. He always enjoyed the confidence and esteem 
of his brethren. 

Gates, Rev. Alfred. Born in East Granville, Massachusetts, 
September, 1803. He was ordained in Willimantic in 1831, and 
was pastor of ten churches in this state. He was a good man and 
an earnest preacher, always laboring for the peace of Zion. 

Gorham, Rev. George W. Baptized into the First church, 
New Haven, in 1838. The most of his ministerial life was spent 



248 HISTORY OF THE 

within the bounds of the New Haven Association. He was a 
good man and a devout servant of Jesus Christ. In great bodily 
weakness he held on, and labored on. His last hours bore testi- 
mony of Christ's nearness to him, and his last prayer was for the 
growth of the church. 

1876. 

Cushman, Rev. Elisha. See records for the year. 

Griswoldj Wareham. See records for the year. 

Ives, Rev. Dr. Dwight. Died in Conway, Massachusetts. He 
had been pastor for many years of the Second Suffield church. He 
won the highest respect and love of the brethren by his noble char- 
acter, by his earnest cooperation with the Board for thirty-five 
years, and by that rare discrimination and energy which made him 
one of the leaders in the counsels and labors of our Connecticut 
Zion. 

Foster, D.D., Rev. N. P. Died May 8, 1876, aged 62. He 
was born P'ebruary 10, 1814, in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, 
and graduated at Dartmouth College at the age of nineteen. He 
was pastor at Cornish, New Hampshire, at East Stoughton, 
Massachusetts, at Burlington and at Montpelier, Vermont, and for 
eight years in First Baptist, New London. His pastorate was 
prosperous and his memory precious. 

Barrows, Rev. Sylvester. Died March 9, 1876, aged 84. He 
was like Barnabas, a good man, full of faith and of the Holy 
Ghost. He was born within the limits of the Ashford Association, 
and with a brief exception his ministerial work was done among 
the churches of that association. Nature and grace qualified him 
for his life's work, and diligence and perseverance amply supplied 
the lack of early education. The churches in which he labored all 
spoke well of him. 

1877. 

Turnbull, D.D., Rev. Robert. See records for the year. 

1878. 

Whiting, Rev. S. M. In every position which he occupied he 
was an acceptable and successful worker. As a missionary in 
Assam during eleven years he was useful as preacher, teacher and 
translator of the Scriptures. He was known as a scholar of 
superior attainments, and was loved as a genial friend. His latest 
service was as pastor of the new interest in Grand Avenue church, 
New Haven. 

Denison, Rev. William. As a man his genial presence and con- 
spicuous piety endeared him to a large circle of acquaintances. As 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 249 

a preacher his talents made him welcome and useful in various 
churches. He was for many years State Missionary, and died 
beloved and honored as pastor of the First church, Waterford. 

Biddle, Rev. William. In several pastorates in the state, and in 
much occasional labor for the cause of Christ, he commended him- 
self during a long life to the respect and love of many. 

Morgan, Rev. William D. He was the beloved pastor of the 
Third church, North Stonington, and was suddenly called away in 
the full vigor of early manhood. He was a resident of cur state 
only a few years. 

1879. 

Shatter, Rev. N. E. Elder Shailer, for so the people who loved 
him always called him, had good report of all men. It was both 
the glory and the blessing of the Convention that God raised up 
such a man to toil for the little churches. For over thirty years 
he patientl}-- and faithfully served as missionary and his praise is in 
all the churches. 

Branson, Rev. Samuel J. He was born in the town of Dan- 
bury. He was of a preaching stock. His father had been a 
preacher, so were four of his brothers. The name was a household 
word in all the Baptist families. His last service as pastor was 
given to the church in West Woodstock. 

Raymond, Rev. E. S. When his fatal sickness attacked him he 
was pastor at New Canaan. He had helped the beginnings of sev- 
eral other churches. He was a true and faithful servant and died 
at a good old age "still in the harness." 

1880. 

Davies, Rev. John. No death had occurred for many years, 
save that of Dr. Turnbull, that had touched all points of the state 
work as did that of John Davies. His long and successful pastor- 
ates in South Norwalk and Norwich had brought him into sym- 
pathy with all parts of the state. At the time of his death he was 
Vice-President of the Convention, a member of the Executive 
^Committee, and President of the Education Society. His death 
occurred in Birmingham, England, whither he had gone in pur- 
suit of health. It was the city of his youth and of his early min- 
istry. Wliile preaching, in his former pulpit, on the immortality 
of the soul he was stricken down in a moment, and carried thence 
never to return. It was on April 19, 1880. 

Rising, Rev. M. H. He had been living many years in Nor- 
wich. The greater part of his mature life was spent in confine- 



250 HISTORY OF THE 

ment and suffering. Like Job, he "maintained his integrity." We 
rejoice with him that he has entered into rest. 

Knowlton, Rev. Farnham. A man full of years and of faith. 
He was one of our most efficient missionary pastors, loved and 
revered by all who knew him. 

1881. 

Staples, Rev. W . W . He was a young man full of promise, 
just on the threshold of life. Pastor of Third North Stonington. 
Although the bright prospect of his consecrated life seems to have 
been untimely cut off, we feel that the Head of the church 
knows best and we bow to His will. 

Hill, Rev. Dr. Benjamin. He died old and full of days. In 
his early years he was actively engaged in the Master's work when 
our Baptist Zion had few workers so well equipped as he. He 
held the pastorate of the First New Haven church for several 
years, wisely laying its foundations as a good master-builder. He 
was called to the larger service of the American Baptist Home 
Mission Society when his work was of the utmost value. 

1882. 

Gage, Rev. Leonard. Died at the advanced age of 94. A ven- 
erable and beloved servant of God in the Baptist ministry. He 
had served several churches in the. state. His death occurred in 
Southbridge, Massachusetts, at the home of his daughter. He 
loved the work of the ministry, and was a faithful and earnest 
preacher. 

Wright, Rev. David. He died at the age of 94. He did much 
domestic mission work both in Connecticut and in Massachusetts. 
His children and grandchildren entered the ministry. He died at 
Essex, venerated and cared for by his children and theirs. 

Atkins, Rev. Irenus. Was born in Southington, where he min- 
istered for twelve years. His longest pastorate was in Bristol. He 
had entered his nintieth year when called home. He was a 
pillar of Bible doctrine,, and a winner of souls. 

Fletcher, Rev. Joshua. Died aged 78. He had served several 
churches, one of which was Southington. 

Hart, Rev. Lucius P. He died in Bristol in his sixty-first year. 
He was a laborer for the Gospel in humble fields, and knew much 
of the hardship of a minister's life. Norfolk, Canaan, Cornwall 
and Bantam Falls were some of the churches he served. "There 
are first that shall be last, and last that shall be first." 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 251 

1883. 

Bronson, Rev. Asa C. He had been pastor in Mystic River, 
Wallingford and Lebanon. His work everywhere was good and 
abiding. He was one of a family of ministers, the father and 
five sons. In this year he followed his father and his brother 
Samuel to obtain the faithful shepherd's unfading crown. 

1884. 

Keeney, Rev. Curtis. From the time of his conversion and first 
sermon to his death he was a faithful and laborious minister. He 
had only a common school education, and was intensely plain in 
speech and manner, but a man of deep religious experience, of 
clear, distinct theological thought, and of positive convictions. 
Through his ministry "much people was added to the Lord." 

Dotvling, Rev. Thomas. He came to this country from Eng- 
land in the early part of his life and ministry. He was a man of 
more than ordinary culture and ability, a good classical scholar, 
a profound thinker, and an instructive preacher. His style and 
manner of delivery were not attractive, hence his ministry was 
confined to our smaller country towns. We had in the state few 
stronger men, and none better, than Thomas Dowling. 

Burleigh, Rev. Lucian. He had a good English and classical 
education, a clear, logical mind, poetical imagination, and great 
versatility of adaptation to the changing phases of his exceedingly 
diversified labors. He was sound in the faith, a good preacher, 
and above all a genial Christian and fellow laborer in the king- 
dom and patience of Jesus Christ. 

1885. 

Ketchum, Rev. Frederick. Died in Havana, Illinois. Had 
been pastor of the Winthrop and of the Second New Haven 
churches. 

Martin, Rev. Orra. Died in Wisconsin, July 14, 1885, in the 
ninety-fifth year of his age. He was ordained in Bristol in this 
state in 1817. 

Swan, Rev. Jabez S. He passed away in peace November 19, 
1884, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. At the age of twenty-one 
he enlisted as a soldier in the army of the Lord. He prosecuted 
his studies at Hamilton, N. Y., and was ordained in Stonington 
in 1827. He was pastor at Preston, First and Huntington Street, 
New London and Water ford. He also served two or three 
churches in the state of New York. He was for some years in 
the service of the Convention as an evangelist. A man of much 



252 HISTORY OF THE 

prayer, mighty in the Scriptures, fearless in denunciation of sin, 
bold in attacking error, tireless in labor, yet tender and sym- 
pathetic, genial in social intercourse, and beloved of all. 

Ballard, Rev. Joseph. Died in Norwalk, November 13, 1884. 
He was known in this state, not so much as a pastor, but as an 
agent of the Publication Society, and connected with the religious 
press. An able preacher and sound in the faith, he passed away in 
a good old age. 

Willet, Rev. Charles. Died in Suffield, May 3, 1885. Licensed 
In June, 1838, ordained at Tariffville in November of the same 
year. Pastor in South wick, Massachusetts, Central Thompson, 
Putnam, New London and Sumeld, in this state. His apprehension 
of Bible truth was strong, and his preaching clear and forcible. 
He baptized many converts and strengthened all the churches he 
served. 

Razuson, Rev. Otis B. Died at North Lyme,, August 24, 1885, 
at the age of 49. Entered the ministry in Bethel, Maine, in 1876. 
Held pastorates in Connecticut, in Packerville and North Lyme. 
He was a careful student and earnest preacher. His was a 
beautiful Christian life, and he was earlv called to his reward. 



1886. 

Tefft, Rev. Alfred B. Died in Mansfield, aged 65 years. He 
had been pastor in Voluntown, Chesterfield and at Waterford 
for nineteen ) r ears, and had begun labor in Spring Hill. His 
preaching was scriptural and instructive. 

Skailer, Rev. Davis T. Died at his home in Haddam at the 
age of 84. He studied theology at Newton, and gathered the 
church at Branford, where he stayed eight years. After serving in 
other states for fourteen years he returned to this state, and was 
pastor for eight j^ears in Haddam, his native town. 

Gregory, Rev. Alvah. He died in Easton, April 1, 1886, in 
the eightieth year of his age. He was born in Easton, where also 
he lived the greater part of his life. He was ordained as pastor in 
Willimantic. and stayed there three years. At the formation of 
the Stepney church he went to that place to aid the new interest. 
On account of ill-health he did not again assume a pastorate. He 
was a staunch friend and helper of the pastors, a "succorer of 
many," esteemed and revered of all who knew him. 

Webb, D.D., Rev. Greenleaf S. He had been pastor at Stam- 
ford five years. He served many years in New Brunswick, New 
Jersey, where he died at the advanced age of 98. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 253 

Chaplin, D.D., Rev. Jeremiah. He had been pastor in Nor- 
walk, and achieved distinction in the ministry in other states. 
He died in Utrecht, Long Island, in his seventy-third year. 

Illsley, Rev. Silas. Pastor for some years in Essex. Most of 
his ministry was passed in New York state, at Albion, Brooklyn 
and Syracuse, where he died. 

Maine, Rev. Ralph H. Pastor at Tariffville, Winthrop, 
Bloomfield and Plain ville. Died in Vineland, New Jersey, in his 
seventv-fifth year. 

1887. 

Benedict, Rev. Thomas. Born in Massachusetts in 1803. Died 
at North Colebrook, March 9, 1887. He was ordained in Tor- 
rington, Newfield Society, in 1836. He preached there more than 
twelve years, and was afterwards pastor in West Stockbridge, 
Massachusetts. 

Hozvard, Rev. Amasa. Born in Woodstock, 1832. Died in 
Wethersfield, 1887. Engaged in mission work, first in Boston, 
then in Hartford. He was pastor of the Third Providence 
church, and then of Washington Avenue, Hartford. His last 
labors were as chaplain of Wethersfield prison, where his quiet 
perception of character, ready sj-mpathy, and genial nature fitted 
him to do good service for the Master among the inmates of that 
institution. 

Judd, Rev. Truman O. Born in Naugatuck, 1810; died in 
Montowese, July 21, 1887. He was twice pastor in Montowese ; 
also served in East Lyme, Canton and Plainville, besides several 
churches in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York. 

Pendleton, Rev. George W . Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, 
1821 ; died in Railway, New Jersey. He was pastor in Colchester 
and Poquonoc Bridge. He also held pastorates in Jacksonville, 
Illinois and Rahway, New Jersey. He was quiet, retiring, pos- 
sessed of scholarly tastes and esteemed for his devoted piety. 

Hicks* Rev. Bela. Died in Sandwich, Illinois, ninety years old. 
He was pastot ik Pomftx*, Thompson, Stafford, West Wood- 
stock and Mansfield. He was a strong and zealous preacher and 
revivals followed his labors. He left the state thirty-five years 
before his death. 

Ellis, Rev. Harmon. He died in Marshall, Wisconsin, January 
28, 1887, in his eighty-fifth year. He was pastor in Winthrop, 
North Haven, Stratford 9 Canton and Norwalk. He did much 
pioneer work in Wisconsin. 

Walker, Rev. William C. See records for this vear. 

Potter, Honorable William H. Died March 28, 1887, in his 



254 HISTORY OF THE 

seventy-first year. He was honored and beloved for his integrity 
and piety. For some years he was Statistical Secretary of the 
Convention. No other man was so well acquainted with our 
denominational history in this state. His "Pen Portraits of Bap- 
tist Pioneers," published in the Christian Secretary, are valuable 
historical papers. 

1888. 

Mattheuson, Rev. Percival. Died in Woodstock, February 
27, 1888, aged 74. His ministry had been mostly confined to 
churches within the Ashford Association. His record is most 
excellent. The later years of his life were spent in Woodstock, 
where he was a most useful helper to the pastors. 

Jennings, Rev. Russell. Born in Groton, February 12, 1800. 
Died in Deep River, March 8, 1888. He was a graduate of 
Madison University and Newton Theological Seminary. He 
was pastor at Winthrop, Meriden, Waterbury, Norwich and 
Deep River. In 1885 he engaged in business, and greatly pros- 
pered. His charity grew with his increasing income. He liberally 
endowed several churches and gave large sums to the building of 
chapels and parsonages. He was quite a scholar, especially in the 
Greek Testament. His last thoughts were for the welfare of the 
churches. 

Lockwood, Mr. James. See records for this year. 

1889. 

Mattison, Rev. N. H. Died in Preston, November 11, 1880, in 
the seventy-ninth year of his age. Served as pastor in Preston 
City, Colchester and North Lyme. Laid aside by ill-health for 
many years, he ministered occasionally as supply to Various 
churches. 

Perkins, Rev. Stephen. Pastor of Second Waterford. He died 
November 11, 1888, in his sixty-third year. He was ordained in 
1870, and served the churches in Ledyard, Poquonoc and Lake's 
Pond. Modest and retiring, he was a man of sterling worth. 

Joy, Rev. F. B. Died Tn New York, March 11, 1889, in his 
sixty-seventh year. He was pastor in Preston, Montowese, Moos- 
up and South Windsor. In early life he followed the sea, and he 
had the generosity and frankness of a true-bred sailor. He had 
only just entered upon this his last pastorate. 

Wakeman, Rev. Levi H. Died at Stamford, April 21, 1889, 
in his seventy-third year. He was pastor in Westfield, East H ad- 
dam, Stepney, West Woodstock, Willington and New Hartford. 
He also served two churches in Massachusetts. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 255 

Burnett, Rev. Joseph. Died June 15, 1889, at Braman's 
Corner, New York, aged seventy years. He was pastor in Old 
Lyme, Tarirrville,, Wethersrleld and New Hartford. He was 
an ardent lover of books and his knowledge of them was remark- 
able. His preaching was simple and evangelical. 

1890. 

Purinton, Rev. L. M. Born in Rensselaerville, New York, in 
1 826. It was there that he began his work as pastor. He served 
three other churches in that state. For six years he was pastor 
of First Waterford church, where his work was much blessed. 
Over one hundred were baptized into that church as the fruit of 
a single revival. He loved the truths of God, and held fast to 
them. 

Gilbert, Rev. Isaac H. Born in Stepney in 1830. Died in 
Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, February 13, 1890. He was or- 
dained pastor in Bristol in 1856, where he continued till April, 
1863. He was then pastor in Middletown till 1870. He had four 
pastorates in Massachusetts. A man of devout piety and earnest 
in his labors. 

Hopper, Rev. B. McGregor. Died in Utica, New York, 
November 19, 1889. Ordained as pastor of the Academy Street 
church. New Haven. He served the First church, Bridgeport, 
for many years, and as pastor in churches in Massachusetts, New 
York and Pennsylvania. He died in the sixty-eighth year of his 
age. 

Morgan, Captain Ebenezer. Died in Groton, August 11, 1890, 
having reached the age of seventy-nine. Bred a seaman, he carried 
into his religious life the same restless energy which characterized 
him as captain of a whaling ship. He was a liberal contributor 
to missions at home and abroad, and a ready helper in any revival 
work. 

Taylor, Rev. David Henry. Born in New Brunswick, 1847. 
Died in Newtonville, Massachusetts, December 10, 1890. He 
studied at SufBeld, and at Brown University and Rochester Theo- 
logical Seminary. He was pastor at Salem and Jamaica Plain, 
Massachusetts, and at Central church, Norwich, from 1886 to 
1889. His last pastorate was with a Congregational church in 
Newtonville, Massachusetts. With a strong and yet tender and 
poetic nature he combined unusual literary and preaching ability, 
and was emphatically one of Christ's noblemen. 

Miller, Rev. E. C. He was born in Canada, where also he was 
educated, ordained, and had his first pastorate. He was pastor 



256 HISTORY OF THE 

at Poquonoc Bridge for six years, and at Plainville for the same 
period. In October, 1889, he began his pastorate at South Wind- 
sor, but it was soon terminated by his death, November 1, 1890. 
His was a life of faith and earnest service. 



1891. 

Gates, Rev. Oliver W. Born in Preston in 1830. He studied 
at Suffield and at Madison University and Hamilton Theological 
Seminary, and was ordained at Greenville, where he labored three 
years. He was pastor in Norwalk for twelve years, and then 
took a pastorate in San Diego, California. He was a devout 
Christian disciple and a faithful preacher of the Word. He died 
at Southern Pines, North Carolina, April 4, 1891. 

Jerome j Rev. Edward M. Died in New Haven, June 8, 1891. 
He was a graduate of Yale College and of Yale Law School. His 
early church relationship was with the Congregationalists. He 
joined the First Baptist church in Hartford in 1856. He was 
ordained in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and held pastorates in 
Northampton and Westfleld in that state. He was pastor in 
West Meriden and Ansonia in this state. A bronchial trouble 
precluded his preaching during the later years of his life, and he 
devoted himself to journalism. 

Palmer, D.D., Rev. Albert G. Died June 30, 1891, in his 
seventy-ninth year. He was converted when ten years old and 
began to preach when seventeen. He came to manhood self- 
educated, and was ordained in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1837. 
He was pastor there six years, then at Stonington nine years. After 
short pastorates in Syracuse, New York, Bridgeport, Connecticut, 
and Wakefield, Rhode Island, he returned to Stonington 
where he labored for almost thirty years. He was an evangelical 
preacher, a comforter to the afflicted, deeply interested in all mis- 
sion work, and a poet, whose graceful verse has commemorated the 
labors and virtues of many a servant of God. 

Weaver, Rev. Charles S. Died in Voluntown, September 8, 
1891, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. He was pastor in 
Noank, Suffield, and twenty 3'ears in Voluntown. 

Denison, Rev. Albert E. Died in Plainville, October 6, 1891. 
He was born in Saybrook and graduated at Brown University. 
He was pastor in Saybrook, Wallingford, Clinton and Plainville. 
In 1878 he retired from active labors. He was a promoter of 
education, of a cheerful disposition, and created an atmosphere of 
sunshine wherever he went. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 257 

1892. 

Smith, Rev. Henry G. Died suddenly in Bloomfield, January 
10, 1892. He was born in East Haven, and united in early life 
with the church in Branford. He studied in Suffield Academy, 
and began pastoral work in Wethersfield. In May, 1878, he 
became pastor of the East Cornwall church, where he labored 
four years, extending his labors to Bantam and Cornwall Hollow. 
He also had pastorates in Bloomfield and West Hartford. His 
last years of service were devoted to temperance. He was an 
indefatigable worker, firm in his convictions, and loyal to the 
Master. 

Lovell, Rev. Andrew S. Died in Andover, January 20, 1892, 
at the age of 84. He was six years associate principal in Suffield. 
He was pastor in Mansfield, Bloomfield and Tarifrville. A 
scholarly man., and a good man. 

Chapman, Rev. D. F. Died in North Stonington, September 
23, 1892. He followed the sea for many years. When forty- 
five years old he entered the ministry. He was pastor in East 
Lyme, Rainbow, Brookfield, Cornwall and North Stonington. He 
was a man of marked native ability, and an excellent pastor. 

Bronson, D.D., Rev. B. Franklin. He died in Ithaca, New 
York, October 23, 1892, at the age of 70. His father was Rev. 
Asa Bronson, and he was one of five brothers who were preachers. 
For ten years he was pastor at Putnam. 

Reidj Rev. William. He was born in Scotland. He was ordained 
in East Windsor. He was pastor at Wethersfield, Tarifrville, 
Bridgeport nine years, and First New London eight years. His 
subsequent ministry was in New York and Brooklyn. He died 
in his eighty-first year. 

1893. 

Watrous, Rev. E. Hay den. Died November 5, 1892, at Deep 
River, at the age of sixty-two. He studied at Suffield, and was 
pastor in Colchester. He served churches in Rhode Island, New 
Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. 

Garner, Rev. William V. Born in Wales. He died suddenly 
in Bridgeport, having had pastorates in Binghamton, New York, 
St. John, New Brunswick, Boston, Massachusetts, and Concord, 
New Hampshire. He was pastor at First Bridgeport for seven 
years. He was an able preacher, a faithful pastor, and a noble 
Christian. 

Miner, Rev. Noyes W. Died at Paterson, New Jersey, seven- 
ty-one years of age. He was born in Stonington, March 10, 



258 HISTORY OF THE 

1822. He studied at Suffield, Trinity College, Hartford, and 
in Newton Theological Seminary. He was pastor for three years 
in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and three years in Lebanon. His 
longest pastorate was one of fourteen years in Springfield, Illinois. 
Here he formed an intimate friendship with President Lincoln. 
After several other pastorates he served for eight years as Cor- 
responding Secretary of the Ministers' Home Society. 

McGonegaL Rev. Robert. Died at Norwalk, December 4, 
1892, eighty years of age. He had formerly served at Deep 
River and Norwalk, but had retired from active work. 

1894. 

Callen, Rev. Charles G. An Englishman by birth and educa- 
tion, he performed his first pastoral service in that country. After 
preaching a few years on Long Island, he assumed the charge of 
the Rowayton church in 1891. He was a man of zeal and rare 
good judgment. 

Darrow, Rev. Allen. He was baptized in Waterford in 1817, 
when fourteen years old. He was ordained in the state of Ohio, 
where he had several pastorates. Returning to this state, he was 
employed for some years as missionary by the Convention. He 
was pastor in Waterbury and Putnam. The last years of his 
life were spent upon his farm in Waterford. He rested from his 
labors in May, 1894, aged ninety-one years. 

Gale, Rev. Solomon. Died in Mystic, August 4, at the, age of 
84. He began his ministry in Putnam in 1847. He was also 
pastor at Cornwall, Tolland and Baltic. He was stated supply 
in Third Stonington for eleven years, rounding out fifty years 
in the ministry, during which he baptized over five hundred con- 
verts. 

Torrey, Rev. Charles E. Died April 1, 1894, at Riverside, 
California. He was formerly pastor at Norwalk church. His 
was a brief but fruitful ministry. 

Crofutj Mr. A. J. He was a leading layman of high standing 
and usefulness in the church of which he was a member in South 
Norwalk. He was known for many years as an upright, success- 
ful manufacturer, w T hile in his home he exemplified every domestic 
virtue. Three times he represented the town in the state legis- 
lature. He was a member of the Board of Directors, and a liberal 
supporter of our Convention. Within three weeks of his death 
he had spent a day in the company of Rev. C. L. Rhodes and the 
Secretary inquiring into the possibilities of establishing a church 
in Greenwich. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 259 

1895. 

Lyon, Rev. D. D. Died in Montville, February 14, 1895,, at 
the age of 81. He was a pioneer and organizer of churches. From 
his early youth to mature age he was wise in counsel, sound in 
judgment, and a man of lovable nature, — a man of God. 

Graves, D.D., Rev. Samuel. He was the successful and highly 
honored pastor for ten years of the Central church, Norwich, a 
fine scholar, and earnest preacher. He died in Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, January 17, 1895. 

Walker, Rev. Orrin T. Born in Preston in 1822. Died Sep- 
tember 9, 1895, in his seventy- fourth year. His father was a min- 
ister, as was also his brother, Rev. W. C. Walker. He was pastor 
in Meriden for some years, but served longer and was better 
known in Massachusetts. 

1896. 

Phelps, D.D., Rev. S. Dryden. He was a spiritual, scriptural 
and edifying preacher. He was always present at our gatherings. 
At the last meeting before his death he recalled the memories of 
fifty years gone by. For many of these years he had been on the 
Board, and on the Executive Committee. For over twenty-five 
years he had been pastor of the First New Haven church, and he 
was afterward editor of the Christian Secretary. Several of the 
hymns he composed are favorites in our worship. 

Bromley, Rev. Henry. He began his ministry of fifty-seven 
years at Spring Hill, Mansfield. He was particularly adapted 
to the special work of pastor's assistant. He filled that office with 
unusual fidelity in many churches in New York, Philadelphia and 
Brooklyn. 

Gallup, Mr. Lor en A. He was for many years a prominent 
member of the Central church, Norwich. He held a high position 
in the city as a business man of integrity and ability. He was 
Vice-President of the Convention for some years, and one of its 
most trusted counsellers. 

Bronson, Mr. W . S. He was one of the most active and use- 
ful members of the First church, Hartford. He served the Con- 
vention for many years as President, and was conspicuously active 
in the interests of the Bible-schools in the state, being for many 
years Superintendent of the Bible-school in his home church. Few 
have filled so large a place in the counsels and work of trie Con- 
vention. 



260 HISTORY OF THE 

1897. 

Beebe, Rev. D. F. Of North Colebrook, a true servant of 
God, died in the midst of his work, faithful to the end. 

Chapman, Rev. Henry A. Pastor of Emmanuel church, Bridge- 
port. He was a man of varied energies, and he used all of them 
to the utmost in spite of his physical infirmities. His death was 
sudden at the last, yet his work, though it might seem to us 
unfinished, was done, and well done. 

Fitch, Rev. Latham. For sixteen years pastor of the Second 
New London church. He was a man of recognized piety and a 
strong and earnest preacher. He loved the work to which his 
life was given. 

Putnam, Rev. George L. Six years pastor at Woodstock, and 
formerly of Lebanon and other churches in the state. A man able 
to fill higher positions in the ministry, he labored from preference 
in the smaller churches in the state. 

Miller, D.D., Rev. D. Henry. After more than forty years 
in the ministry he had retired from pastoral work. He died at 
his home in Mystic, November, 1896. He had baptized 1,700 
converts. He was pastor in Third North Stonington, Meriden 
and Norwich ; also in Lowell, Trenton, New York City and 
Brookfyn. 

Griswold, Mr. Midian N. While the 1897 Convention was 
yet in session word came of the decease of this brother. He had 
been largely instrumental in the formation of the church in Win- 
sted. He was a man of sterling Christian character, held in high 
estimation by his fellow-citizens. He was liberal in his gifts to 
the church. The writer of this brief tribute had an intimate and 
endearing acquaintance with him during the } T ear and a half he 
spent in building up the Winsted church. Brother Griswold left 
all his property, including his home, for a parsonage, to revert 
to the Convention at the death of his widow. 

1898. 

Watrous, Rev. Amos D. Died in Deep River, aged 94. In 
early manhood he was a man of great force of character and a 
successful evangelist. He is said to have been the means of the 
conversion of more than five thousand persons, and to have him- 
self baptized over one thousand. Always eccentric, during the 
last twenty years of his life he became greatly unbalanced in his 
mind. 

Hodge, D.D., Rev. James L. Died in Brooklyn, New York, 
at the age of eighty-four. He was a native of our state, and was 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 261 

pastor in Bridgeport for several years. He was also pastor in 
Brooklyn, Mariners' church, New York City, and Albany, in 
New York State, and in Newark, New Jersey. He was a man 
greatly beloved and highly esteemed. 

1899. 

Bond, Rev. E. P. Died at Suffield, at the age of 75. He was 
born in Canterbury, Connecticut, September 6, 1824. Baptized 
at Tolland in 1840. Fitted for college in Suffield, and graduated 
frcm Brown University in 1851. Studied theology at Hamilton. 
Pastor in New Britain. Chaplain of Fourteenth Regiment, Con- 
necticut Volunteers. For five years Principal of Connecticut Lit- 
erary Institution. Pastor in Agawam, Massachusetts; Professor 
and Acting Principal in Peddie Institute, New Jersey; Pastor at 
Wethersfield, at the same time assistant editor of the Christian 
Secretary. His scholarship was wide in its range, and accurate in 
its results. He was restrained by peculiar modesty from a per- 
sonal aggressiveness equal to his capacity. 

Cranston, Rev. James S. Died September 8, 1899. He had 
been pastor at Salem, Preston City, and Chesham, New Hamp- 
shire. He was pastor of First Saybrook when attacked by the 
disease that issued in his death. He filled the measure of his days 
in usefulness and with fidelity. 

1900. 

Allen, Rev. N. T. Born in North Kingston, Rhode Island, 
December 28. 1815. Died in Groton, while still pastor of 
Poquonoc Bridge church, March 29, 1900, at the age of 84 years 
and three months. For fifty-eight years he had been an active 
and faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He served as Chaplain of 
the Twenty-sixth Connecticut Volunteers in the Civil War. His 
sympathies were very strong, and so tender were his words in the 
house of mourning that he was often called on to officiate at 
funerals. He is said to have attended over a thousand such ser- 
vices. Almost all his pastoral work was done in southeastern Con- 
necticut. His praise was in all the churches. 

Robinson, Rev. A. A. Born in Windham, May 12, 1814. 
Died in Packerville, where he was still pastor in 1900, at the age 
of eighty-six. He was one of the earliest students in Suffield, 
and was ordained in West Springfield, Massachusetts,, in 1848. 
He served several churches in that state, and w^as also pastor in 
First Suffield, Mansfield, Willington, Winthrop, and North Ash- 
ford. He was called at Packerville when seventy years old, and 
served that church fourteen years. 



262 HISTORY OF THE 

Guy, Rev. Albert. Born in Westford, New York, December 
3, 1812. Died in Hartford, March 6, 1900, in his eighty-eighth 
year. He had been pastor over six churches in the state of New 
York, and one in Ohio. He moved to Hartford in 1886, and 
was during the years that followed a useful and well-beloved 
member of the First church, always loyal to the pastor and rever- 
enced by the brethren. 

Goodwin, Rev. William. Born at New Hartford, January 1, 
1814. He was a graduate of Williams College and of East Wind- 
sor Theological Seminary. He was for six years pastor of a 
Congregational church, and then united with the South Baptist 
church, Hartford, in 1851. He was pastor of six Baptist churches 
in this state, and retired from active service in 1888. He was a 
great Bible student, being a much better scholar in Hebrew and 
Greek than most of our pastors. 

Bennett, Rev. Edwin. Born in Canterbury, May 10, 1829. 
Died in Brooklyn, November 15, 1900. He entered the ministry 
in 1887, at the age of 56. He was called to the pastorate of the 
Brooklyn church, where he wrought faithfully for thirteen years. 
A man of limited education, but conscious of his limitations, he 
became a very conscientious student. His work was owned and 
blessed of God, and appreciated by the church. He was a man 
greatly beloved by his brethren in the ministry. 

Stillman, Rev. Samuel. Died in Easton, in the house in which 
his father and his grandfather had been born, November 11, 1899, 
in his sixty-sixth year. He was a graduate of Brown University 
and Newton Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1864, 
and became a missionary to the freedmen in the South. He was 
pastor in Memphis, Tennessee, and also in First Danbury, White 
Hills, Old Lyme, and Winthrop, in this state. 

1901. 

Brooks, Rev. Leslie O. Born at Waterford, New York, 1875. 
He was baptized at the age of thirteen, in the First church, Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts. He studied in the Moody Training School 
at Northfield, Massachusetts, and engaged in missionary work in 
Connecticut under the auspices of the Convention. He was or- 
dained pastor of the Emmanuel church, Bridgeport, in 1897, and 
served two years and a half, when he was compelled to resign on 
account of ill-health. After a brief period of rest he accepted a 
call to White Hills, but was forced to give up the work in a few 
months. He died at his father's home in Herkimer, New York, 
April 10, 1901. He was singularly devout and consecrated, and 
is deeply mourned. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 263 

Follwell, Rev. George W . He was pastor some years in Water- 
bury, and attained eminence in the ministry. Like Apollos, he was 
"mighty in the Scriptures." He died in Easton, Pennsylvania, 
April 3, 1901. 

Denison, Rev. Frederick. He was one of a family of ministers 
who have filled a large place in the Baptist history of our state. 
He was born in Stonington, and was ordained in 1847. He was 
pastor of Central church, Norwich, Pilgrim church, New Haven, 
and of Westerly, Central Falls, Woonsocket and Providence, 
Rhode Island. He was the author of many books and poems. He 
died August 16, 1901. 

Batterson, Mr. James Goodwin. For many years a prominent 
member of the First church, Hartford. He will long be remem- 
bered as the contractor and builder of the State Capitol in Hart- 
ford, which is said to be the only building of its class that has 
been built in this country within the appropriation, and with 
an unexpended balance returned to the state. He was also a fine 
classical scholar. He died in his seventy-eighth year. 

McWhinnie, Deacon James. For many years senior deacon of 
the First W^aterbury church. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 
in 1816. His life was fully consecrated to the truest service for 
Christ. He was the father of Rev. James McWhinnie, D.D., 
a man of great gifts and sainted memory. His daughter, Margaret, 
rendered long and valuable service at the Woman's Home Mis- 
sion Rooms in Boston. He passed to his rest, October 15, 1901, 
aged 85. 

1902. 

Chapman, Rev. Benjamin F. Died in Andover, December 
29, 1901, aged ninety years. He was born in Griswold in 1811. 
He was married in 1837 to Nancy C. Peabody of North Stoning- 
ton, and moved with a colony of twenty families to central 
Illinois, where they founded the town of Stonington. He re- 
mained there for twenty years, and then returned and became 
pastor of the First church, North Stonington. He removed to 
Andover, where he lived forty-four years. He was a good man 
and loved the cause of Christ. He bequeathed $2,000 to the 
church in Putnam. 

Wilson, Rev. Henry W. Pastor of the First Groton church. 
He died at Old Mystic, June 5, 1902, at the age of fifty-three. 
He was educated at DesMoines College and Rochester Theologi- 
cal Seminary and served several churches in other states. He 
was pastor for six years at Stratfield, and two and a half years 
in Groton, where he received thirty-eight by baptism. 



264 HISTORY OF THE 

Parry, D.D., Rev. Francis John. Died suddenly in Water- 
bury, where he had been pastor for five years. He was born in 
Philadelphia in 1847, and was educated in Lewisburg and Hamil- 
ton. He was pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cooperstown, New 
York, Burlington and Brattleboro, Vermont, and New York 
City. His labors were abundant and incessant. 

Sage, D.D., Rev. Adoniram Judson. Died July 7, 1902, in 
Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born in Massilon, Ohio, in 1836. 
He graduated from Rochester University and Theological Semi- 
nary, and was pastor at Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, and Morgan Park, Illinois. He was 
Professor of Latin in Rochester, and of Homiletics in Morgan 
Park. He was pastor of the First church, Hartford, for thirteen 
years, 1871-1884. For three years he was President of the Con- 
vention. 

True, D.D., Rev. Benjamin Osgood. Died July 19, in Roches- 
ter,, New York. He was twenty-one years Professor of Church 
History in Rochester Theological Seminary. He was born in 
Plainfield, New Jersey, December 17, 1845. He graduated at 
Dartmouth College, and Rochester Theological Seminary. He 
was pastor at Baldwinsville, New York, and Providence, Rhode 
Island, and for six years at the First church, Meriden. 

Hiscox, D.D., Rev. Edward T. He was for five years the 
pastor of the Central church, Norwich. He was born in Wester- 
ly, Rhode Island, 1814. His pastoral life was mostly spent in 
New York City, where he was recognized as one of the leading 
ministers, acquiring a national reputation. 

Terry, Rev. Thomas. Died in August, 1902, in Southwick, 
Massachusetts, aged 73. He had held pastorates in Brooklyn and 
East Lyme in this state. 

Emerson, Rev. Forrest F. Died in New York, May 10, 1902, 
aged 62. He was a graduate of Brown University, and studied 
theology in Newton and Rochester. He was pastor at Brock- 
port, New York, at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and for six years, 
1873-1879, at Asylum Avenue, Hartford. He then became a 
Congregational pastor, serving at Amherst, Massachusetts, and 
Newport, Rhode Island. 

Manning, James W . See records for 1902. 

1903. 

Nichols, Rev. Charles N. Born in Trumbull, August 15, 
1832. Ordained in New Hartford, 1862. He was pastor in 
New Hartford, Cromwell, Old Lyme, Colchester and Andover. 
He died in Andover, January 18, 1903, in his seventieth year. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 265 

Love j Rev. George F. Born in England, August 15, 1830. 
He came to America in 1850. His last pastorate was in Saybrook, 
from 1899 to 1902. He died at the home of his daughter in 
Littleton, New Hampshire, January 17, 1903. 

Frost, Rev. Clarence C. Born in Maine, May 6, 1842. He 
was pastor of First Norwich, 1879 to 1882. He afterwards 
practised law and became a prominent lecturer on Temperance. 
He died at Norwich, February 16, 1903. 

Gallaher, D.D., Rev. Henry M. Born in Ireland, September 
11, 1833. He graduated from Shurtlifr" College, w^here he studied 
theology. He was pastor of the Calvary church, New Haven; 
in Quincy, Illinois; in Brooklyn, New York; in Elizabeth, New 
Jersey, and in Essex, Connecticut. He served as Chaplain in 
the army during the Civil War. He was a man of remarkable 
versatility, very eloquent as a preacher and lecturer, and greatly 
beloved for his geniality and humor. He died in Essex, May 
19, 1903. 

Potter j Rev. C. W . Born in Voluntown in 1821. He was the 
first person baptized by Rev. Dr. Palmer. He was ordained 
at Avon in 1846, and was pastor in North Haven, Cromwell, 
Willington, Bantam, Stirling, Stepney, and Rowayton. He was 
a wise counsellor, an edifying preacher, and a large-hearted, saintly 
man. He spent the last years of his life in retirement in Bantam. 

Wheat on j Rev. Archibald. Pastor at South Norwalk from 
1889 to 1892, and at Mystic from 1893 to 1900. He went to 
Jackson, Michigan, in 1900, where he seemed to be doing the best 
work of his life. There he died, December 13, 1902. He was 
a faithful pastor and an able preacher, much esteemed by his 
brethren in the ministry. 

Stifler, D.D., Rev. James M. He was pastor for five years 
of the First church, New Haven. For over twenty years he 
did most efficient service as Professor in the Crozer Theological 
Seminary. 

Phelps, Mrs. Sophia Emilia. Daughter of Rev. James H. 
Linsley. She was the wife and widow of Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, 
and a lady of unusual gifts and of marked spirituality. For 
twenty-seven years, besides being a model pastor's wife, she 
taught a large Bible-class, a work for which her intellectuality 
and knowledge of the Scriptures peculiarly fitted her. For 
seventeen years she wrote the expositions of the Bible lessons that 
were published in the Christian Secretary. Even to old age she 
continued to teach with great acceptance in the Calvary church 
Bible-school, in New Haven. She was emphatically one of the 
"helpers in the Gospel." 



266 HISTORY OF THE 

Freeman, Rev. Andrew L. Born April, 1828. He graduated 
at Rochester, and was ordained at Camillus, New York, in 1854. 
He was pastor in Southington from 1864 to 1873. He died 
suddenly in Camillus, where he was for the second time pastor. 
He had preached the day before his death. 

Holman, Rev. John W. He was ordained in Voluntown. He 
also had a pastorate in East Lyme. His funeral was conducted by 
his three brothers, all of whom were Baptist ministers, Sullivan 
L., William O., and George W. Holman. 

1904. 

Peckham, Rev. Charles H. Born in Perryville, Rhode Island, 
December 16, 1854. He was ordained March 9, 1897. He had 
unusual evangelistic gifts. Employed by the Convention Board he 
rendered fruitful service at Canton and other places in 1903. He 
was pastor of the Bozrah church, and died July 11, 1904. 

■Pattison, D.D., Rev. Thomas Hanuood. Died February 11, 
1904, in Rochester, New York, where he had been Professor of 
Homiletics and Pastoral Theology since 1881. He was born in 
Cornwall, England, December, 1838. He was educated at 
Regent's Park College. After serving in the ministry in England 
he was pastor of First church, New Haven, for four years, and 
of Emmanuel church, Albany, for two years. His work as author 
and teacher, as well as preacher, has given him a wide reputation. 
He was the father of Rev. Harold Pattison of the First church, 
Hartford. 

Herr, D.D., Rev. Joseph D. Died suddenly in Boston, Massa- 
chusetts, February 20, 1904. Born February 23, 1837. When 
seventeen years old he united with a Methodist church by im- 
mersion. He was educated in Madison College, Pennsylvania, 
and held several pastorates in the Methodist connection till 1870, 
when he joined the Baptist church. He was pastor in Pittsburg, 
in New T York City, in Central church, Norwich, in Milwaukee, 
and then again in Central church, Norwich. He filled a large 
place in the work of the Convention during his two pastorates in 
Norwich. The last years of his life he was Dean of the Gordon 
Training School at Boston. 

Wayland, LL.D., Hon. Francis. See record for 1904. 

1905. 

Crocker, Rev. Thomas L. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, 1858. 
Died in New London, March 7, 1905. He was licensed by the 
Congdon Street church, Providence, Rhode Island. He was 
ordained as pastor of a church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. For 
eleven vears he ministered to the Shiloh church, New London. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 267 

Sessions, Rev. A. H. Born in Sandisfield, Massachusetts, 
November 25, 1831. Died in New York, February 3, 1905, at 
the home of his son-in-law, Professor H. L. Osgood. He was 
licensed by the North Colebrook church, and educated at Hamil- 
ton. He was ordained in 1857 at Lanesboro, Massachusetts, and 
served forty years in the ministry, over six churches. His last 
pastorate, of ten years, was with the church in Montowese. At 
the time of his death he had spent eight years in retirement. He 
was a faithful pastor, and a preacher of more than ordinary 
ability. His life was blameless. 

Goodspeed, Ph.D., Rev. George Stephen. Died in Chicago, 
February 17, 1905, aged forty-five. While pursuing his post-grad- 
uate course in Yale he was pastor of the Howard Avenue Church, 
New Haven. He was a son of Rev. Edgar J., and nephew of 
Rev. Thomas W. Goodspeed. 

1906. 

Elsdon, Rev. W . P. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 
21, 1841. Died in Highland, California, December 31, 1905. He 
studied for the ministry at Fredericton, New Brunswick. His 
pastorates were at Lynn, Brewsters, and Hyannis, Massachusetts; 
Belvidere and Englewood, Illinois; Waterbury and Wethersfield, 
Connecticut. In 1896 his eyesight failed, and for a number of 
years he engaged in evangelistic labor. He was a man of great 
ability, fearless, earnest, forceful and tender in the pulpit. He 
was held in high esteem wherever known. 

Amesbury, Mr. Jabez. Born in Newton, Massachusetts. Died 
in Danbury, January 2, 1906. For fifty years he was cashier of 
the Danbury National Bank. During his entire life in Danbury 
he was one of the leading and most influential of the members 
of the Second Baptist church. He was active in the work of the 
State Convention. 

Smith, Ph.D., Martin Henry. Born in Suffield, August 5, 
1833. Died in Suffield, January 31, 1906. He studied in Suf- 
field Academy, and graduated from Williams College in 1857. 
He was head of the Maysville Institute, at Maysville, Kentucky, 
for twenty years ; then Principal of the Suffield Academy for eight 
years. He was Judge, of Probate in Suffield for several years, 
and was held in honor for efficiency and faithfulness. 

Lathrop, D.D., Rev. Edward. Born in Savannah, Georgia, 
March 14, 1814. He graduated from Madison University in 
1840. He was pastor at Beaufort, South Carolina for three 
years; then at the Tabernacle church. New York, for twenty- 
two years, and at Stamford, Connecticut, for twenty years. He 



268 HISTORY OF THE 

was a man of noble presence, and as a preacher and counsellor 
took rank among the foremost of Baptists. He died in the city 
of New York, April 5, 1906, in his ninety-second year. 

Howard, Hon. James L. See record for the year. 

Denison, Deacon John L. Born in Stonington, September 10, 
1826. Died in Hartford, July 2, 1906. He studied at Suffield, 
and was always a warm friend of that school. He served as 
Superintendent of the Bible-school of the Central church, Nor- 
wich, for many years. In 1855 he received the degree of M. A. 
from Brown University. He removed to Hartford in 1878 and 
entered the employ of the Travelers Insurance Company. For 
many years he was an honored deacon of the Asylum Avenue 
church. Constant in attendance upon the meetings of the As- 
sociation and Convention, he came to be widely known and loved. 

1907. 

D arrow, Rev. George R. Born in Montville, September 29, 
1820. Died at Butte, Montana, October 16, 1906. He was bap- 
tized in 1841 by Elder Jabez Swan, into the fellowship of the 
First New London church. He was licensed to preach in Mont- 
ville in 1847, and ordained in Greenport, Long Island, in 1848. 
He was pastor in Providence, Rhode Island; West Boylston, 
Hyde Park, and South Abington, Massachusetts; Camden and 
Trenton, New Jersey, and Willimantic, Connecticut. He served 
as Chaplain in the war for the Union. The last twenty years 
of his life were spent in the West. 

Wright, Rev. Thomas G. Born in Westiield, Massachusetts, 
January 18, 1820. Died in Hartford, November 11, 1906. A 
graduate of Waterville College in 1839, and of Hamilton Theo- 
logical Seminary in 1 842. He was pastor at Lyons, New York, and 
also of several churches in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. He was a 
man of transparent sincerity and admirable simplicity, and in 
his later years a venerable figure. 

Cor do, D.D. } Rev. Henry A. Born in New Brunswick, New 
Jersey, in 1836. Died at Gloversville, New York, November 
24, 1906. He was a graduate of Madison University and Hamil- 
ton Theological Seminary. He labored with great acceptance 
in Meriden, Connecticut; Jersey City, New Jersey; Boston and 
Whitman, Massachusetts; and Gloversville and Cortland, New 
York. Dr. Cordo was a man of more than ordinary intellectual 
and spiritual strength. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 269 

Roberts, D.D., Rev. William S. Born in New Carlisle, Ohio, 
April 1, 1845. Died in Noroton, Connecticut, December 4, 1906. 
He held several pastorates, the last in Deep River, Connecticut. 
In all his pastorates he left an impression of strong and gentle 
personality. He gave his life in willing service to any who needed 
him. 

Wightman, Rev. Palmer G. Born in Groton in 1820. Died 
in Maiden, Massachusetts, January 14, 1907. His character 
and work are of more than ordinary significance to Connecticut 
Baptists. He was of the stock of Valentine Wightman, the first 
Baptist preacher in the state. He was ordained as pastor of the 
Second Waterford church, September, 1843. He served in East 
Lyme, Plainville and Branford, and in Tiverton, Rhode Island. 
He was a devout Christian, mighty in prayer, an able preacher, 
and a model man in his calling. 

Easton, Rev. Daniel C. Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 
1844. Died in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, January 20, 1907. 
He graduated from Madison University, and held two pastorates 
in this state, North Stonineton and Fitchville. 

Buelh Rev. A. P. Died" in Cleveland, Ohio, March 11, 1907, 
at the age of 88. He served as pastor of the Huntington Street 
church, New London, and of the Southington church. He was 
President of the Convention in 1870. 

Wolf , Rev. Henry Miles. Born in Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania, 
June 23, 1852. Died in Bloomfield, Connecticut, March 18, 
1907. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1880, and 
devoted himself for some years to newspaper work. He was 
ordained to the ministry in 1886, and served as pastor in Water- 
ford eleven years, and in Bloomfield four years. He was a man 
of strong religious principle, and a fearless advocate of that which 
he regarded as truth. 

Siegfried, M.D., Rev. Thomas J. Born in Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania, December 29, 1850. Died in Salem, Connecticut, 
April 4, 1907. He was educated for the ministry at Denison 
University, Ohio, and was ordained in 1871. For thirty years 
he was pastor of churches in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and 
Connecticut, in the last named state at Salem and Scott Hill. 

Hubbard, D.D., Rev. Andrezv C. Born in Linsdale, Ohio, 
January 23, 1839. Died in Danbury, Connecticut, April 19, 
1907. He graduated from Denison University, from which he 
later received the degree of D.D. He was ordained in 1861, 
and was pastor in Woodstock, and Springfield, Illinois, and also 
in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1868 he was called to Second Danbury, 



270 HISTORY OF THE 

of which church he remained pastor for thirty-five years. The 
church of which he was pastor developed with the growth of the 
town. He was a loving pastor and teacher, a staunch friend, and 
a wise and kindly adviser. It is not too much to say of him that 
he was the leading citizen of Danbury at the time of his death. 

Piddock, Rev. Charles Albert. Born in Lorraine, New York, 
July 25, 1849. Died in Hartford, April 22, 1907. When fifteen 
years old he served in the Civil War, and was wounded in the 
Wilderness campaign. He graduated from Madison University 
and Hamilton Theological Seminary in 1874. He was pastor 
at Saxton's River, Vermont; at Claremont, New Hampshire; at 
West Springfield, Massachusetts, and at Middletown, Connecti- 
cut, for six years. He was for two years Superintendent of Mis- 
sions for the Convention, then editor of the Christian Secretary 
for eight years, and again Superintendent of Missions for six 
years. Afterward, while engaged in business, he frequently sup- 
plied vacant churches. Large in physique, genial and hopeful 
in temperament, approachable, sympathetic, ready to spend and 
be spent in any cause that appealed to him, he left an impression 
in our state which only the advance of newer generations can 
efface. 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 271 



Appendix B. 
HISTORICAL RECORD 



Dite 


Place 


President 


Secretary 


Treasurer 


Preacher 


182? 


Hartford 


Asa Wilcox 


Augustus Bolles 


J. B. Gilbert 




1824 


Middletown 


Asa Wilcox 


Albert Day 


J. B. Gilbert 




1825 


Hartford 


Jonathan Goodwin 


Albert Day 


J. B. Gilbert 




1826 


Wallingford 


Jonathan Goodwin 


Albert Day 


J. B. Gilbert 


J. M. Peek 


1827 


Hartford 


Asahel Morse 


Albert Day 


J. B. Gilbert 


Esek Brown 


1828 


Middletown 


Jonathan Goodwin 


Gurdon Robins 


J. B. Gilbert 


B. M. HiU 


1829 


Hartford 


RHfus Babcock 


Gurdon Robins 


J. B. Gilbert 


J. Cookson 


1830 


Mansfield 


Elisha Cushman 


Gurdon Robins 


J. B. Gilbert 


P. Brockett 


1831 


Meriden 


Elisha Cushman 


Augustus Bolles 


George Read 


G. Phippin 


1832 


Middletown 


Elisha Cushman 


Albert Day 


Jeremiah Brown 


G. Robins 


1833 


Lebanon 


Elisha Cushman 


J. H. Linsley 


Jeremiah Brown 


L. Kneeland 


1834 


Hartford 


Elisha Cushman 


H. Stanwood 


John Cookson 


N. Wildman 


1835 


Middletown 


J. H. Linsley 


S. S. Mallory 


J. B. Gilbert 


R. H. Neale 


1836 


Norwich 


J. Cookson 


Wm. Palmer 


J. B. Gilbert 


S. H. Cone 


1837 


Hartford 


J. Cookson 


R. Turnbull 


J. B. Gilbert 


J. Cookson 


1838 


New London 


J. Cookson 


B. Cook 


J. B. Gilbert 


B. Cook 


1839 


New Haven 


J. H. Linsley 


H. Wooster 


J. B. Gilbert 


R. Turnbull 


1840 


Essex 


George Reed 


Wm. Reid 


J. B. Gilbert 


F. Wirhtman 


1841 


Hartford 


D. Ives 


J. S. Eaton 


J. B. Gilbert 


R. Babcock 


1842 


Middletown 


D. Ives 


J. S. Eaton 


J. B. Gilbert 


T. C. Teasdale 


1843 


Norwich 


D. Ives 


E. Cushman 


J. B. Gilbert 


J. Dowling 


1844 


New Haven 


A. Parker 


E. Savate 


W. Griswold 


D. Ives 


1845 


New London 


J. S. Swan 


E. Savage 


W. Griswold 


A. Parker 


1846 


Hartford 


J. S. Swan 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


A. G. Palmer 


1847 


Deep River 


R. Turnbull 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


J. S. Swan 


1848 


Suffield 


D. Ives 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


E. Cushman 


1849 


Bristol 


H. Miller 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


E. T. Hiscox 


1850 


D anbury 


S. D. Phelps 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


R. Turnbull ' 


1851 


Stonington 


E. T. Hiscox 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


C. Willett 


1852 


New Haven 


J. S. Swan 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


J. N. Murdock 


1853 


Norwich 


Win. Reid 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


S. D. Phelps 


1854 


Hartford 


J. N. Murdock 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


H. Miller 


1855 


Meriden 


L. Lewis 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


J. L. Hodge 


1856 


Middletown 


W. S. Clapp 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


W. Reid 


1857 


New London 


C. Willett 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


A. D. Denison 


1858 


Southington 


F. Denison 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


J. A. Bailey 


1859 


Hartford 


S. D. Phelps 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


W. Fitz 


1860 


New Haven 


P. G. Wightman 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


J. P. Brown 


1861 


Norwich 


D. Ives 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


D. H. Miller 


1862 


Stamford 


J. P. Brown 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


D. Ives 


1863 


Willimantic 


C. S. Weaver 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


C. B. Crane 


1864 


Essex 


Geo. Lovis 


E, Cushman 


W. Griswold 


G. M. Stone 


186S 


Danbury 


S. Graves 


E. Cushman 


W. Griswold 


S. D. Phelps 


1866 


1 Hartford 


J. A. Bailey 


E. Cujhman 


W. Griswold 


I. H. Gilbert 



272 



HISTORY OF THE 



Date 


Place 


President 




Secretary 


Treasurer 


Preacher 


1867 


Mystic River 


C. B. Crane 


E. 


Cushman 


W. Griswold 


R. Turnbull 


1868 


New Haven 


A. C. Bronson 


E. 


Cushman 


W. Griswold 


E. Lathrop 


1869 


Deep River 


R. J. Adams 


E. 


Cushman 


W. Griswold 


B. S. Morse 


1870 


New Britain 


A. P. Buell 


J. 


A. Bailey 


W. Griswold 


H. G. Mason 


1871 


Norwalk 


J. L. Howard 


J. 


A. Bailey 


W. Griswold 


G. L. Hunt 


1872 


Waterbury 


J. L. Howard 


J. 


A. Bailey 


W. Griswold 


A. G. Palmer 


1873 


New Haven 


J. L. Howard 


R. 


Turnbull 


W. Griswold 


A. J. Sage 


1874 


Putnam 


J. L. Howard 


R. 


Turnbull 


W. Griswold 


C. E. Smith 


1875 


Hartford 


J. L. Howard 


R. 


Turnbull 


W. Griswold 


A. C. Hubbard 


1876 


Suffield 


J. L. Howard 


R. 


Turnbull 


W. Griswold 


A. C. Hubbard 


1877 


Norwich 


A. G. Palmer 


R. 


Turnbull 


James Lock wood 


F. F. Emerson 


1878 


Meriden 


Ed. Lathrop 


T. 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


J. Davies 


1879 


Danbury 


A. J. Sage 


T. 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


B. F. Bronson 


1880 


Bridgeport 


A. J. Sage 


T. 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


J. M. Taylor 


1881 


New London 


A. J. Sage 


T. 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


J. R. Stubbert 


1882 


Ansonia 


W. S. Bronson 


T 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


G. H. Miner 


188? 


New Haven 


W. S. Bronson 


T 


A. T. Hanna 


James Lockwood 


M. H. Pogson 


1884 


Norwich 


W S. Bronson 


El 


zur Cook 


James Lockwood 


O. C. Sargent 


1885 


Hartford 


W. S. Bronson 


Elizur Cook 


James Lockwood 


J. V. Garton 


1886 


Waterbury 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


C. W. Holman 


1887 


New Britain 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


B. W. Lockhart 


1888 


Hartford 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


D. H. Taylor 


1889 


Putnam 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


P. G. Wightman 


1890 


Middletown 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


J. R. Gow 


1891 


New Haven 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


W. G. Fennell 


1892 


Willimamic 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


J. S. James 


1893 


Danbury 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


H. M. Thompson 


1894 


Norwich 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


J. B. Lemon 


1895 


Bridgeport 


F. Wayland 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


J. D. Herr 


1896 


New London 


Wm. A. Grippin 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


J. H. Mason 


1897 


Hartford 


Wm. A. Grippin 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


W. D. McKinney 


1898 


Meriden 


Wm. A. Grippin 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


E. M. Potcat 


1899 


Waterbury 


Wm. A. Grippin 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


Henry Cb.rke 


1900 


New Haven 


Carnot 0. Spencer 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


F. G. McKeeTcr 


1901 


New Britain 


Carnot O. Spencer 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


F. J. Parry 


1902 


Hartford 


Carnot O. Spencer 


P. 


S. Evans 


W. F. Walker 


G. H. Ferris 


1903 


New Haven 


Carnot O. Spencer 


F. 


H. Divine 


W. F. Walker 


O. O. Fletcher 


1904 


Norwich 


Carnot O. Spencer 


F. 


H. Divine 


W. F. Walker 


R. A. Ashworth 


1905 


Meriden 


Carnot O. Spencer 


F. 


H. Divine 


W. F. Walker 


Harold Pattison 


1906 


South Norwalk 


H. M. Thompson 


F. 


H. Divine 


W. F. Walker 


P. C. Wright 


1907 


Putnam 


H. M. Thompson 


F. 


H. Divine 


C. E. Prior 


J. A. Elder 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 273 



Appendix C. 

TABLE OF THE CHURCHES AIDED BY THE 
CONVENTION. 

First Last 

Year Year Amount Total 

New Haven, 1826 $50 

Goshen,* 1830 1831 26 

Willimantic, 1830 1847 259 

Vernon,* 1831 1834 78 

Ashford 1st., 1831 1907 1,894 

Andover, 1831 1907 972 

Windsor East,* 1831 1845 237 

Killingworth* 1831 1838 125 

Tolland,* 1832 1887 1,274 

Woodstock West, 1832 1903 115 

Marlborough,* 1832 1840 121 

Brooklyn 1832 1882 2,390 

Hampton,* 1833 1842 215 

Ashford 3rd., 1833 1849 254 

New Hartford,* 1833 1905 5,189 

Middletown 2nd., 1833 1873 1,267 

Avon,* 1834 1847 207 

Wethersfield, 1834 1907 1,685 

Voluntown, 1834 1841 112 

Montowese, 1834 1846 208 

Manchester,* 1834 1882 302 

Ashford 2nd., 1834 1847 163 

Norfolk* 1834 25 

Enfield,* 1834 25 

Wilton,* 1833 25 

Sharon,* 1834 1835 50 

Bozrah, 1835 1875 168 

Hanover,* 1835 37 

Stafford, 1835 1853 799 

Lisbon,* 1836 1837 50 

Tariffville, 1836 1907 4,345 

Hadlyme* 1836 1838 62 

* Disbanded. 



274 HISTORY OF THE 



First Lait 

Year Year Amount Total 



Waterbury 1st., 1836 1847 

Colchester, 1837 1841 

Northville, 1838 1870 

Bridgeport 1st., 1838 1839 

Saybrook 1st., 1838 1841 

Clinton, 1839 1863 

New Britain 1st., 1839 1843 

Norwalk, 1839 1844 

Chester, 1839 1868 

Bloomfield, 1839 1907 

Danbury 1st. * 1839 

Branford, 1839 1864 



Jewett City, 1842 1847 $145 

Old Lyme, 1843 1903 964 

Southington, 1843 1848 120 

Ellington,* 1843 1845 75 

Westfield* 1844 1845 38 

Cornwall East, 1845 1907 1,168 

Torrington* (Old) , 1845 1846 30 

Gaylord's Bridge,* 1845 12 

Pleasant Valley,* 1845 1846 40 

Windham South,* 1846 1847 140 

Collinsville* 1848 1849 55 

New Haven Emmanuel, 1850 1893 $1,195 

Stonington 3rd, 1850 1875 55 

Norwich 3rd, 1850 1894 525 

Rockville, 1851 1898 4,977 

Westford, 1851 1907 979 

Groton Heights, 185 1 1872 350 

N. Stonington 2nd, 1853 1866 229 

Plainville, 1852 1887 2,980 

Suffield 1st, 1853 1855 100 

Seymour,* 1854 100 

Brookfield,* 1855 1876 218 

Ledyard, 1855 1907 507 

Bantam, 1855 1906 1,177 

Salem & Scott's Hill, 1856 1901 986 

South Woodstock, 1858 1907 650 

* Disbanded. 



$2,757 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 275 



Firit 
Year 

Baltic,* 1858 

Colebrook River,* 1858 

Newtown * 1859 

Montville, 1859 

Thompsonville,* 1859 

Cornwall Hollow, 1860 

South Colebrook, 1860 

South Windsor, 1860 

Chesterfield, 1865 

North Colebrook, 1863 

Lake's Pond, 1867 

Rowayton, 1867 

Sterling, 1872 

Poquonnock, 1872 

New Haven, Grand Avenue, .... 1872 

New Canaan,* 1873 

Bridgeport 2nd, 1874 

Danielson, 1874 

Ansonia, 1874 

Wellington, 1874 

Hartford, Windsor Avenue, 1874 

Pendleton Hill, 1874 

Norwich, Mt. Calvarv, 1873 

East Killingly, 1875 

West Hartford, 1875 

Plantsville, 1876 

Canton, 1877 

Moodus, 1878 

Chestnut Hill (?), 1879 

East Haddam, 1881 

White Hills, 1882 

Norwich 1st, 1883 

Hartford Memorial, 1883 

Shelton, 1884 

Willington, 1886 

Spring Hill, 1885 



Last 
Year 


Amount Total 


1883 


1,250 




50 


1882 


230 




25 




50 




$16,633 


1907 


1,150 


1907 


1,122 




25 


1890 


1,050 


1907 


U63 


1899 


200 


1898 


982 




$5,692 


1906 


2,405 


1906 


2,195 


1882 


3,561 


1898 


1,644 


1885 


4,923 


1882 


2,543 


1881 


12,439 


1883 


354 


1877 


1,285 


1892 


1,271 


1897 


1,185 


1885 


305 


1907 


1,320 


1880 


595 


1907 


556 


1898 


808 




40 




$37,429 


1899 


675 


1907 


931 


1885 


242 


1893 


2,773 


1907 


5,733 




96 


1889 


408 



$10,858 



* Disbanded. 



276 HISTORY OF THE 



First Last 

Year Year Amount Total 

Winsted, 1890 1895 6,597 

Bridgeport Messiah, 1890 1897 1,100 

Torrington, 1895 1907 7,910 

Ansonia 2nd, 1893 500 

Naugatuck, 1896 1907 633 

New London Shiloh 1896 37 

Warrenville, 1898 1899 97 

Cheshire, 1898 1907 272 



$17,146 

Waterbury, Grace, 1902 1907 325 

Danbury (Colored) , 1902 1905 275 

Milford (Colored), 1903 1907 150 

Hartford (Colored), 1905 100 

Bridgeport, East End, 1907 ,500 

$1,350 

Foreign Churches. 

New Haven German, 1863 1874 2,250 

Meriden German, 1875 1893 959 

New Britain Swede, 1883 1907 4,416 

Bridgeport German,! 1886 1907 4,058 

Bridgeport Swede, 1886 1895 624 

New Britain German, 1884 1893 817 

Waterbury German, 1887 1906 2,561 

New Haven Swede, 1888 1907 2,300 

New Haven Dane, 1888 75 

French Mission, 1881 1907 4,953 

Seymour German, 1890 1894 175 

Meriden Swede, 1890 1894 1,649 

Hartford Swede, 1891 1907 2,306 

Waterbury Swede, 1894 1907 1,382 

Bridgeport Bethel Swede, 1907 55 



$28,580 



fin addition Rev. Mr. Ritzman collected from the Baptists of 
the state $2,901.72 towards the chapel. 

Italian Missions. 

Stamford, 1897 1907 4,371 

New Haven. 1898 1907 4,911 

Bridgeport, 1900 1905 1,414 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 277 



First La3t 

Year Year Amount Total 

Hartford, 1901 1907 2,185 

New London, 1904 1907 1,150 

Torrington, 1906 25 

South Norwalk 1907 12 

Waterburv, 1907 360 

Bristol, 1907 30 

$14,458 



Grand total, $161,503 

One hundred and thirty-four churches in all; of which thirty- 
two have disbanded. The nine Italian Missions are not included 
in the number given above. 



278 HISTORY OF THE 



Appendix D. 
PROPORTION OF BAPTISTS TO POPULATION. 



Year Population 

1790, 

1800, 251,000 

1810, 261,900 

1820, 275,248 

1830, 297,675 

1840, 309,978 

1850, 370,792 

1860, 460,147 

1870, 537,454 

1880, 622.700 

1890, 746,258 

1900, 908,420 

Excluding the foreign population, the proportion of Baptists 
in 1900 was 1 to 26. 

Foreign-born. 

Population 

1880, 129,992 

1890, 183,601 

1900, 238,210 



Baptist 






Members 


Rati* 


> 


2,220 


lto 


107 


4,663 


1 " 


54 


5,149 


1 " 


50 


7,503 


1 " 


36 


9,196 


1 " 


32 


11,021 


,1 " 


28 


16,033 


1 " 


23 


18,806 


1 " 


25 


18,843 


1 " 


28 


20,618 


1 " 


30 


22,239 


1 " 


33y 2 


25,111 


1 " 


393^ 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 



279 





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INDEX 



INDEX 











Paec 


Aid to churches, importance, . . . . .165 


Allen, Rev. N. T., record of service, 






172 


Sketch, .... 






261 


Amenia, N. Y., admitted, 








. 24 


Amesbury, J., 








. 267 


Andover, admitted, 








. 23 


Andrews, Rev. E., 








246 


Ansonia, first mention, 








106 


Progress, 








108 


Anti-slavery resolutions, 








37,46 


Ashford Association formed, . 








11 


Ashford, South Center, beginning 








61 


Asylum Avenue, Hartford, built, 








104 


Atkins, Rev. I., . 








250 


Atwater, Rev. Mr., missionary, 








57 


Auxiliary Society, organized. 








12 


Described by Rice, 








13 


Final meeting, 








15 


Avery, Rev. D., . 








247 


Avon, once church at, . 








48 


Awakening, Great, effect on Baptis 


t cause. 






8 


Results, 








10 


Bailey, Rev. J. A., 






106, 246 


Baker, Rev. A. E., missionary, 






209,217 


Ball, Rev. H., first Principal at 


Suffield, 




. 36 


Ballard, Rev. J., 






29, 252 


Baltic, abandoned, 






. 80 


New, admitted, 








129 


Bantam, beginning at. 








76 


Baptisms, average number, . 








52 


Baptist beliefs, A. J. Sage on, 








125 


Baptists, condition in 1800, . 








11 


Proportion to population, 








82 


Barnes, W. O., colporteur, . 








209 


Barrows, Rev. S., 








248 


Batchelder, Rev. F. L., long servk 


:e at Staffor 


d, 




93 



HISTORY OF THE 



Batterson, J. G., 

Beebe annuity, 

Beebe, Rev. D. F., 

Beecher, Rev. L. F., missionary, 

Benedict, Rev. T.„ 

Bennett, Rev. E., 

Bentley, Rev. W., 

Bible-schools, importance, 

Bible Society, American and Fore 

Biddle, Rev. W., 

Bloomfield, improved condition, 

Remodels chapel, 
Bolles, Rev. A., . 

Deacon J., . 
Bond,, Rev. E. P., 
Branch, Rev. N., 
Bridgeport, East, first mention, 

Purchases building, 

Admitted, . 

East End, purchases lot, 

First, beginnings of, 

German, progress, 

House completed, . 

Messiah, 

Second, new location and ho 
Brockett, Rev. P., 
Bromley,, Rev. H., 
Bronson, Rev. A. C, 

Rev. B. F., . 

Rev. E. H., 

Rev. S., . 

W. S., 
Brooklyn, progress, 

Church built, 
Brooks, Rev. L. O., 
Brown, Rev. J. P., 
Buell, Rev. A. P., 
Burleigh, Rev. L., 
Burlington, once church at 
Burnett, Rev. J., 
Callen, Rev. C. G., 
Calvary, New Haven, organized 

Putnam, abortive, 



ien, 



use, 



154,220 



136, 137 



263 
205 
260 

43 
253 
262 
241 
233 

41 
249 

77 

93 
247 
245 
261 
243 
106 
108 
109 
230 

45 
147 
152 
166 
194 
244 
259 
251 
257 
121 
249 
259 

82 
104 
262 

84 
269 
251 

53 
255 
258 
101 
148 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 285 



Canton, redivivus, 




. 






. 199 


Chaplin, Rev. J., 


. 






. 253 


Chapman, Rev. B. F., 


. 






. 263 


Rev. D. F., 


. 






. 257 


Rev. H. A., 


. 






260 


Cheeseborough, Rev. E., 








. 245 


Cheshire, work started, 








. 124 


Abortive, 


. ■ 






163 


Chesterfield, admitted, . 








. 23 


Chivers, Rev. E. E., address and tribute, 




. 234 


Christian Commission, use in Civil War, 




. 91 


Christian Secretary, first efforts, 




. 14 


Adopted by Convention, 






20 


Crisis, .... 






21,22 


Status debated, 






23 


Organ of Convention, . 






100 


Purchased by Dr. Phelps, 






114 


Purchased by C. A. Piddock, . 






143 


Civil War, sentiment during, 






84 


Divergent views, . 






87 


Coats, Rev. A. B., missionary, 






218 


Address on evangelism, . 






219 


Superintendent, 






225 


Colebrook, South, admitted, 






65 


Colgate, Deacon William, speaks for Bible 


: Society, 




44 


Collinsville, efforts at, . 






59 


Colored churches, first aid, . 






65 


Difficulties, .... 






151 


Cone, Rev. S. H., presents Bible Society, 




41 


Connecticut Literary Institution, tuition charges, 




39 


Convention, Connecticut Baptist, first steps, 




15 


First business meeting, . 




20 


First anniversary, 








21 


Change of name proposed, 








198 


Cook, Rev. B., . 








241 


Elizur, statistical secretary, 








133 


Secretary, .... 








136 


Cooperative evangelism, 








134 


Cordo, Rev. H. A., . 






• . 


268 


Cornwall, admitted, 








24 


Cranston, Rev. J. S., . 








261 


Crescent Beach enterprise, . 






131, 


Crocker, Rev. T. L., . 










266 



iq 



286 



HISTORY OF THE 



Crofut, A. J., 

Curtis, Rev. C, missionary, . 
Cushman, Rev. Elisha, issues circular, 
On first committee 
President, 
Secretary, 
Close of service, . 
Tribute, 
Danbury Association formed, 
First state mission work 
Danielson, first mention, 
Progress, 
Admitted, . 
Self-supporting, 
Darrow, Rev. A., 
Rev. F., 
Rev. G. R., 
Date of anniversary, changed to Octobe 
Davies, Rev. J., 
Davis, Rev. G. F., death 
Declension in early New England, causes 
Denison, Rev. A. E., 
Rev. F., 
Deacon J. L., 
Rev. William, missionary, 
Manual work, 
Sketch, 
Dennison, Rev. E., 
Dimock, J. W., tribute, 
Disaster, history, 

Reviewed by Stubbert, . 
By Thompson, 
Statement, . 
Divine, Rev. F. H. t Superintendent 
Defines views, 
Faithful work, 
Services coveted elsewhere, 
Domestic missions, name embarrassing 
Doty, E., missionary, . 
Dowling, Rev. J., 

Rev. T., . 
Dunham, Eber, legacy 
Easton, Rev. D. C, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 28: 



Education Society, date of organization, . 






. 30 


Ellis, Rev. H., ' 




. 253 


Elsdon, Rev. W. P., . 




. 267 


Emerson, Rev. F. F., . 




. 264 


Emmanuel, New Haven, purchases building, 




. 129 


Evangelism, prominent in Divine's period, 




. 201 


Reports on, 




. 206, 219 


Evans, Rev. P. S., Secretary and Superintende 


at, 


. 139 


Historian, . 




. 221 


Fairfield Association formed, 






11,40 


Fair Haven, beginning at, 






64, 67 


Permanent start, . 


. . 




. 102 


Begins to build, 


. 






. 108 


Self-supporting, 


. 






. 129 


Fennell, Rev. W. G.,, ordained, 








. 142 


Finances, improvement in, . 


. . 






. 153 


Perplexing, 


. 






. 207 


(See Disaster.) 










Fish, Rev. E. P., 


. 






. 242 


Fitch, Rev. L., . 


. , 






. 260 


Fitchville, organized, . 


. 






. 140 


Flanders, Rev. C. K., missionary, 


. 






. 218 


Fletcher, Rev. J., 


. 






250 


Follwell, Rev. G. W., 








263 


Foreigners, first mention, 


. . 






49 


Foreign Missions, Jubilee, 


. 






90 


Foreign-speaking churches, 


. 






200 


Foster, Rev. N. P., . 


. 






248 


Francis, Alfred, bequest, 


. 






156 


Freedmen, care of, 


. 






89 


Freeman, Rev. A. L., . 








266 


French immigrants, first solicitude 1 


or, . 






96 


First work among, 


. . 






126 


French, missionary among, . 


. 


i 


65, \1 


8,180 


Frost, Rev. C. G., 


. . 






265 


Gage, Rev. L., . 


. . 






250 


Gale, Rev. S., 








258 


Gallaher, Rev. H. M., 


. , 






265 


Gallup, L. A., .... 








259 


Garner, Rev. W. V., . 


. , 






257 


Gates, Rev. A., . 


. 






247 


Rev. O. W., . . . 








256 


Gaylord's Bridge, admitted, . 








67 



288 



HISTORY OF THE 



Germans, first aid to, . . . . . 


. 80 


Characterized, ..... 


. 159 


Gifts to churches, policy, . . . . 


62,67 


Gilbert, Rev. I. H., 


. 255 


Deacon J. B., Treasurer, 


. 37 


Career, ....... 


55, 242 


Glazier, J., missionary, .... 


29, 30 


Goff, Rev. M. J., 


. 247 


Goodspeed, Rev. S., 


. 267 


Goodwin, Rev. W. f ..... 


. 262 


Gorham, Rev. G. W., ..... 


. 247 


Grand Avenue, New Haven. (See Fair Haven.) 




Graves, Rev. S., . 


. 259 


Gregory, Rev. A., 


. 252 


Grippen, W. A., president, .... 


. 172 


Griswold, M. N., 


175,260 


Deacon Wareham, Treasurer, 


. 55 


Tribute, ...... 


. Ill 


Groton, scene of earliest missionary work, 


5 


Church established, .... 


6 


House built, ..... 


. 104 


Grow, Rev. J., . 


. 243 


Guy, Rev. A., 


. 262 


Haddam, East, admitted, 


. 23 


Hadlyme, improvement, .... 


. 77 


Half-way Covenant, ..... 


9 


Hall legacy, Mansfield, .... 


. 205 


Hampton, once church at, 


. 48 


Hanna, Rev. T. A. T., Superintendent, . 


. 118 


Abundant labor, ..... 


128, 131 


Tribute, ...... 


. 135 


Hart, Rev. L. P., 


. 250 


Hartford Association formed, 


. 11 


Hartford, First, part in Convention, 


. 192 


Hartford, Third, admitted, .... 


. fOl 


Hastings, Joseph, becomes Baptist, . 


. 10 


Herr, Rev. J. D., 


. 266 


Hicks, Rev. B., 


. 253 


Higby, Rev. S., missionary, .... 


. 38 


Hill, Rev. B., 


. 250 


Hiscox, Rev. E. T., ..... 


. 264 


Hodge, Rev. J. L., . 


: 260 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 289 



Holman, Rev. J. W., . 




. 246 


Rev. John W., . 


. 266 


Home Mission Society, steps toward cooperation, 


. 32 


Cooperation delayed, .... 


. 34 


Economy, . . . 


. 38 


Relation, ...... 


. 171 


Hope Church, New Haven, reunited to First, . 


. 194 


Hopper, Rev. B. M., 


. 255 


Howard, Rev. A., ..... 


. 253 


Hon. J. L., President, .... 


. 102 


Last address, ..... 


. 112 


Close of service, ..... 


. 114 


Tribute, . . 


. 214 


Howard Avenue, New Haven, organized, 


. 156 


Hoyt, Hon. J. B., gifts, .... 


110,119 


Tribute, ...... 


. 149 


Hubbard, Rev. A. G., 


. 269 


Huntington, Hezekiah, bookstore recommended, 


22 


Huntington Street, New London, admitted, 


. b5 


Illsley, Rev. S., 


. 253 


Immanuel, Bridgeport, started, 




. 151 


New Haven, history, 




65 


Enlarges house, 




. 194 


Immigration, early mention, 




. 60 


Ingathering, years of, . 




. 52 


Italians, missions to, advocated, 




. 162 


Importance, 




. 168 


Mission begun, 




. 171 


Chapel for, in New Haven, 




. 190 


Interests in Bridgeport betrayed, 




. 193 


Vicissitudes in Stamford, 




. 200 


Good work in Hartford, 




. 200 


Progress, .... 




. 208 


Ives, Rev. D., . . 




. 248 


Jackson, Rev. H., 




. 243 


Jencks, E. M., ordained by Convention, 




. 59 


Jennings, Rev. R., gifts, 




. 105 


Help acknowledged, 




. 110 


Sketch, .... 




. 254 


Jerome, Rev. E. M., . 




. 256 


Jewelry, sentiment regarding, 




32, 52 


Johnson, Rev. W. H., evangelist, . 




. 167 


Joy, Rev. F. B., 




. 254 



290 



HISTORY OF THE 



Jubilee Fund, ...... 


109.110 


Judd, Rev. T. O., 


. 253 


Judson, Adoniram, completes translation of Bible, 


. 33 


July Fourth, as religious day, 


19, 45 


Keeney, Rev. C, 


. 251 


Ketchum, Rev. F., 


. 251 


Kincaid, Rev. Eugenio, visits churches, . 


. 56 


Knapp, Rev. H. R., . 


. 243 


Kneeland, Rev. L., missionary, 


24, 29 


Knowlton, Rev. F., 


. 250 


Lathrop, Rev. E., 


. 267 


Leach, Rev. B. N., 


. 245 


Ledyard, discouragement, and fruit, 


. 123 


Leffingwell, Rev. C, ..... 


. 246 


Lewes, Rev. L., 


. 242 


Lewis, Rev. G. C, . 


. 244 


Liberia, ....... 


. 37 


Life insurance, ministers,' attempted. 


. 40 


Lincoln, Rev. B. H., ..... 


. 243 


President, resolution regarding, 


92, 93 


Linsley, Rev. J. H., 


. .241 


Lisbon, admitted, ..... 


. 23 


Litchfield Association, drops out, . 


. 105 


Litchfield, once church at, . . . . 


. 53 


Loans to churches, ..... 


. 164 


Lockwood, J., treasurer, . . 


. Ill 


Tribute, ...... 


138, 145 


Love, Rev. G. F., . 


. 265 


Lovell, Rev. A. S., 


. 257 


Lyon, Rev. D. D., 


. 259 


Maine, Rev. R. H., . . . . 


. 253 


Mallory, Rev. S., 


. 242 


Manchester, admitted, .... 


. 23 


Manning, Hon. J. W., tribute, 


. 196 


Mansfield, early revival in, . 


. 10 


Map of state, Baptist, . 


. 161 


Martin, Rev. O., 


. 251 


Matthewson, Rev. P., . 


. 254 


Mattison, Rev. N. H., 


. 254 


McGonegal, Rev. R., . 


. 258 


McWhinnie, Deacon J., .... 


. 263 


Meech, Rev. L., 


. 246 


Meeting-house stock,, . . . . . . 


. 58 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 291 



Memorial, Hartford, organized, 


. 134 


History, ...... 


. 144 


Meriden, beginning among Germans, 


. 98 


First, history, ..... 


. 176 


German, admitted, . 


. 109 


West, organized, ..... 


. 83 


Admitted, ....... 


. 85 


Miller, Rev. D. H., 


. 260 


Rev. E. C 


. 255 


Rev. H., 


. 242 


Rev. S., death mentioned, . 


. 29 


Rev. W. G., 


. 241 


Miner, Rev. N. W., 


. 257 


Ministerial education, early feeling toward, 


. 28 


Ministers' Conference, organized, . 


. 130 


Ministers' Home, ...... 


. 130 


Mission churches, fruitfulness of, . 


. 155 


Missionary organizations, suggestions, 


. 217 


Missouri Compromise, repeal, . 


. 74 


Montville, builds new house, . 


. 93 


Morehouse, Rev. J. L., first visit, . 


. 128 


Morgan, Capt. E., gifts, . 


10, 120, 130 


Sketch, 


. 255 


Rev. W. D., 


. 249 


Morse, Rev. Asahel, author of free law, . 


7 


Morse legacy, ....... 


. 53 


Mourning, protest against, . 


. 28 


Munger, Rev. W., . . ' . 


. 246 


Murdoch, Rev. J. N., first mentioned, 


. 68 


Neale, Rev. R. H., mentioned, 


. 36 


Nelson, Rev. S., missionary, .... 


. 36 


New Canaan, church built, .... 


. 104 


Checkered history, .... 


. 216 


New Hartford, church at, . 


. 53 


Ending, . . . . 


. 218 


New Haven Association formed, 


. 11 


New Haven, Germans aided to pay for building, 


. 99 


Hope church united to First, . 


. 194 


Swede church, ..... 


. 167 


New London Association formed, . 


. 11 


New London County Missionary Society, 


. 54 


New London, First, organized, 


7 


Improves edifice, ..... 


. 194 



292 



HISTORY OF THE 



Newton, Lucinda, legacy, 

Newtown, aided to build, 

Nichols, Rev. C. N., . 

Nicholson, Rev. G. W., practical suggestions 

Norwalk, South, admitted, . 

Offerings, plan for taking, adopted, 

Olive Branch church, a misnomer, 

Olivet, New Haven, origin, . 

Organizations in churches, . 

Paine, Rev. J., . 

Palmer, Rev. A. D., tribute, 

Sketch, 
Parry, Rev. F. J., 
Pattison, Rev. H., address, . 

Interesting report on missions, 

Rev. T. H., 
Peace Society, sympathy with, 
Peckham, Rev. C. H., . 

Rev. P., 

Rev. S., . 
Pendleton, Rev. G. W., 
Perkins, Rev. S., . 
Permanent Fund, begun, 

Compared, . 

Additions, . 
Perry, James, legacy, . 
Phelps, Rev. S. D., reminiscence, 

Sketch, 

Mrs. S. E., . 
Piddock, Rev. C. A., Superintendent, 

Relieved, 

Reappointed, 

Resigns, 

Tribute, 

Sketch, 
Plant, A. P., . 
Plantsville, struggles, . 
Population, foreign, in 1840, 1860, 
Porter, David G., bequests, . 
Potter, Rev. C. W., . 

E. W., ordained, . 

Giles, thorough report on Bible-schools, 

W. H., Statistical Secretary, 

Sketch, 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 29.5 



Presidents, extended terms a benefit, 








. 185 


Prior, C. E., Treasurer, 








. 227 


Publication Society, first cooperation, 








. 104 


Purinton, Rev. L. M., 








. 255 


Putnam, beginning at, . 








. 60 


Items of history, . 








. 222 


Rev. G. L., 








. 260 


Rainbow, church started in, 








. 102 


Rand, Rev. T., missionary, 








. 24 


Ranney, printer of Judson Bible, . 








. 38 


Rawson, Rev. O. B., . 








. 252 


Raymond, Rev. E. S., . 








. 2+9 


i ..jRead, Deacon G., 








. 243 


Red Cross Society, usefulness in Civil W 


ar, 






91 


Redding, once church at, 








. 48 


Reid, Rev. William, . 








. 257 


Restoration Fund, struggle and victory, 








. 228 


Revival year, .... 








. 79 


Rice, Rev. L., account of Auxiliary Socie 


ty, 






. U 


Rising, Rev. M. H., . 








249 


Robbins, Rev. A., 








246 


Roberts, Rev. W. S., . 








. 269 


Robins, Rev. G., editor of Secretary, 








24 


Sketch, .... 








244 


Robinson, Rev. A. A., . 








261 


Rockville, early efforts, 








67 


Sells house, .... 








75 


New start, .... 








129 


Roxbury, once church at, 








53 


Sage, Rev. A. J., 








264 


Sanitary Commission, usefulness in Civil 


War 






91 


Savage, Rev. E., . 








243 


Saybrook, First, admitted, 








23 


Separatists, ..... 








10 


Sessions, Rev. A. H., .... 








267 


Seventy-five years' figures, 








178 


Seventy years' summary, 








162 


Seymour, earlv efforts at, 








61 


Shailer, Rev. D. T., .... 








252 


Rev. N. T., missionary, 








33 


Tribute, ..... 






76,96 


Reappointment, .... 






97,98 


Close of service, .... 






. 101 


^y^A^L^^j a a 













294 



HISTORY OF THE 



Still active, ..... 


. 103 


Sketch, . . . 


. 249 


Rev. S., 


. 244 


Sharon, admitted, . . 


. 24 


Shelton, new beginning, .... 


. 129 


Admitted, ...... 


. 129 


Siegfried, Rev. T. J., . 


. 269 


Skinner, Rev. E., 


. 241 


Smith, Mrs. Hannah, first annuity, 


. 35 


Rev. H. G., 


. 257 


M. H., 


. 267 


Rev. W. S., 


. 242 


Social Union, organized, 


. 103 


Efficiency, . . . 


. 107 


Service, . . 


. 236 


Memorable meeting, .... 


. 236 


Southington, admitted, .... 


. 23 


Spain, war with, . .... 


. 177 


Spencer, C. O., President, .... 


. 186 


Impressive address, .... 


. 187 


Last address, ..... 


. 213 


Tribute, ...... 


. 215 


Standing Order, ..... 


5 


Staples, Rev. W. W., 


. 250 


Steward, Rev. I., .... 


. 245 


Stewardship, Christian, suggestions, 


. 231 


Stifler, Rev. J. M., 


. 265 


Stillman, Rev. S., 


. 262 


Stirling, resuscitated, ..... 


. 83 


Stone, Rev. E. W., words of welcome, ^_. 


. 198 


Stone, Rev. G.„ ...... 


. 245 


Stonington Association formed, 


. 11 


Stonington, Third, history, .... 


65 


Strong, Rev. J. H., report on state of churches, 


. 180 


Student supplies, ..... 


. 165 


Suffield Academy, opens, .... 


. 36 


Building begun, ..... 


33, 35 


Suffield Street, Hartford, chapel built, . 


. 102 


Sunday-school work, committee on, 


. 108 


Reports, 110, 1 


[13,116,119 


Resume of work, ..... 


. 121 


Swan, Rev. J. S., missionary, 


83, 86, 89 


Sketch, ...... 


. 251 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 295 



Swedes, first work among, 






. 131 


Claim on us, 




. 147 


Characterized, ..... 




158 


Work among, ..... 




. 208 


Bethel church, Bridgeport, organized, 




230 


Hartford, build a church, 




. 185 


New Britain, remarkable work, 




. 204 


Switzerland, Christians in, . 




. 29 


Tariffville, interest begun, .... 




34 


Struggles, 




73 


Progress, ...... 




77,82 


Set back, ...... 




94 


Taylor, Rev. D. H., . 




. 25 b 


Tefft, Rev. A. B., 




. 252 


Temperance, reformation, .... 




. 53 


Resolutions on, . 




33, 46 


Surprising condition, .... 




93 


Terry, Rev. T., . 




. 264 


Thompson, Rev. H. M., address, 




18S 


President, ...... 




221 


Brave words, ..... 




224 


Thompsonville, once church at, . 




80 


Tilden, Rev. C, missionary, 




38 


Sketch, ...... 




246 


Tillinghast, Rev. J. A., 


. 




. 243 


Tolland, close of work, 






148 


Final wind-up, 






21S 


Torrington, old church, 


• . . • 




53 


Open door, 


. 




168 


New church, 






170 


Chapel built, 






174 


Tract Society, predecessor of Publication Society, 




30 


Treasurer, suggestion to bond, 




209 


True, Rev. B. O., 




264 


Turnbull, Rev. R., officer, 


... 




44 


Superintendent, 


. 




106 


Close of service, . 


. . 




114 


Tribute, 


. 




117 


Union Association, 


• . . . 




40 


Unreported gifts, 


. 




155 


Vernon, admitted, 


• . . . 




23 


Vinton,, Rev. J. A., godspeed, . 




68 


Tribute, 


. 




79 



296 



HISTORY OF THE 



Wade, Dr., of Burma, preaches, 






. 35 


Wakeman, Rev. L. H., ..... 


. 254 


Walker, Rev. George Leon, describes early relig 


ious life, 


8 


Rev. L., . . . 




245 


Rev. O. T., 






. 259 


Rev. W. C, missionary, 






102 


Sunday-school work, 






121 


Tribute, ...... 






141 


Warren, Rev. J., 






245 


Washington Avenue, Hartford, built, 






. 104 


Struggles, 






115 


Watch, contributed to Convention, 






. 52 


Waterford, scene of earliest missionary work, 






5 


First church organized, 






7 


Watrous, Rev. A. D., missionary, 






56 


Sketch, . . .•••'. 






260 


Rev. E. H., 






. 257 


Wayland, Hon. F., President, 






136 


Close of service, .... 






172 


Tribute, ...... 






203 


Weaver, Rev. C. S., . 






256 


Webb. Rev. G. S., . 






252 


West Hartford, beginnings, .... 






80 


Westcott Fund, 






205 


Wethersfield, improved condition, . 






77 


Begins to build, .... 






113 


Wheaton, Rev. A., 






265 


Whitefield, labors in New England, 






9 


Whiting, Rev. N., . 






241 


Rev. S. M., service, 






118 


Sketch, 






248 


Wightman, familv, ..... 






6,7 


Rev. F., 






242 


Rev. P. G 






269 


Valentine, ...... 






6 


Wilcox, Rev. A., first preacher and moderato 


r, 




!6 


Wildman, Rev. N., missionary, 






51 


Sketch, . . . . . . 






243 


Willard, Rev. B., missionary, 






36 


Willett, Rev. C, 






252 


Willimantic, struggles in building, 






30 


Aided years, . . . 






50 


Debt-paying, ..... 






53 



CONNECTICUT BAPTIST CONVENTION 297 



Wilson, Rev. H. W., . 


. 








263 


Winsted, first mention, 


. , 








123 


Beginning, . 


■H • ■ 








146 


House completed, . 


. 








152 


Chapel enlarged, . 


. 








194 


Wolf, Rev. H. M., . 


. 








269 


Women's Foreign Missionary Society, 








104 


Wood legacy, providential delay, . 








216 


Woodstock, South, improvement, . 








77 


Wright, Rev. D., 








. 250 


Rev. T. G., 








268 


Wyman, Rev. D. T., evangelist, 








. 164 


Yalesville, beginning among Germans, 








. 98 


Young Men's Christian Association, 








91 


Young people, work of, 


. 






! 156, 159 



